A veiw from the bridge

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A view from the bridge coursework

In the play ‘A view from the Bridge’ manliness is explored throughout and is the main theme. This is portrayed through Eddie’s notions of what it is to be a man. He believes that protecting his family is manly and is convinced that his infatuation with his niece is merely protecting his family. A major part of his downfall is his disapproval of Catherine’s lover Rodolpho’s notion of being a man.

This is first of all shown when the playwright portrays Eddie as the boss of the house. Eddie believes a main part of being a man is looking after the welfare of his family. That is shown here when Eddie’s wife Beatrice consults with him’ work is the best practice anyway’ and Eddie replies to her “that I ain’t what I wanted though”. Here the audience gets the feel that Eddie has to be consulted with about what happens in his household, and also shows to the audience that Eddie has control over his family and is the boss.

Manliness is shown again in the play, with the aspect of strength. As the playwright has identified strength to be a part of manliness and this has been put into the play by making Eddie value his physical strength. This is shown when the Eddie is accused of phoning immigration, by Marco and says “he killed my children…..that one….”and Eddie replies by saying “he’s going to take that back……..or I’ll kill him! Hear me kill me kill me”. The audience is then given the impression that Eddie is upset that it is Marco who accuses him, because Eddie considers Marco to have the qualities he considers manliness is. Also it shows Eddie wants to have a fight jus to see who the better man is. He always wants to show who the stronger man is.

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Eddie also believes it is not manliness to reject a challenge so when he is challenged in the play or when he challenges others we see the theme of manliness again. Eddie hopes they do not back out. This is shown in two occasions in the play when Eddie is challenged by Marco to lift the chair;” can u lift this chair?” Eddie then asks, “What do mean?” Here Eddie is just reassuring himself that Marco did challenge him. He replies,” Sure why not?” He tries and tries but he does not succeed,” he tries and tries again but fails”. ...

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