Analyse how Miller creates tension in two scenes from A view from the bridge. Analyse in detail the dramatic effect of two scenes from A view from the bridge

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Emma Elphick        -  –

Analyse how Miller creates tension in two scenes from “A view from the bridge”. Analyse in detail the dramatic effect of two scenes from “A view from the bridge”

The first scene I’m going to analyse is the second scene in the play and the first in which we see the main characters of the play, Eddie, Catherine and Beatrice.

 Eddie is introduced in the opening scene where a lawyer who is found to be the narrator of this play talks of the story the audience is about to witness. This scene is here to give people watching the play an insight into what it will be about and make them wonder, when they get introduced to these people, what the story will be about. It makes them curious and they become more judging of Eddie especially and also the other characters. This makes them formulate their opinions of people and therefore become more involved in the play on an emotional level.

This gives in turn Miller the licence to create a very normal family scene knowing that the audience will be questioning how long it will stay this normal and looking for ways in which it could go wrong. Miller gives them this by raising the issue that will eventually tip Eddie over the edge, but using it in a casual way, creating a normal family. However to a judging audience this is to be seen as more and they are to depict that something more will come from these issues. At the same time they must also see Eddie is not a bad person. This scene makes a connection with the audience and the characters, especially Eddie, which is important if they are to understand his actions and his character later in the play. This play is different as Miller uses a character that would not usually be used as a main character as it is hard for an audience to relate to such a character. Miller however persuades the reader to understand Eddie’s irrational thinking during his downfall. This means he must get the first impression of this character perfect.

Therefore the dramatic effect in this scene sets the scene for the whole play and has to give the right impression to the audience. Miller does this by creating a very normal scene that any family might participate in. it’s something the audience can all relate to which makes them instantly feel connected to the characters. The scene has Eddie worried because Catherine appears to have started taking an interest in men and looking nice.

This raises the issue of Eddie being overprotective over Catherine who appears as a young woman or teenager who loves Eddie and respects and listens to him. It is obvious that he does not want her to grow up and that she is enjoying the attention and affection she is receiving.

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To start with a casual scene with very little tension is portrayed.

Eddie appears genuinely happy as he sees Catherine who has made an effort to look good and brought a new dress as he says:

“Beautiful. Turn around leme see in the back. (She turns for him.) Oh if your mother were alive to see you now! She wouldn’t believe it.”

Catherine who quite willingly turns for him and shows him her new hairstyle shows she loves the attention he is giving her.

He is a very friendly and loving guardian, we can tell ...

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