Analyse the concept of Manliness and the way it is represented in Miller's 'A View From the Bridge'

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Analyse the concept of Manliness and the way it is represented in Miller’s ‘A View From the Bridge’

     There are many themes within the theatrical drama of ‘A View From the Bridge’. There are also some ideas that add to the drama of the play, keeping the audience full of suspense. The idea of manliness is connected in this play as it relates to the characters, Rodolpho, Marco and especially Eddie Carbone. This idea often causes conflict throughout the play. The theme of Manliness is probably the cause of many of the disastrous happenings and the downfall of Eddie.        

     Eddie, who is the main character of the play, is a simple person who brings about his own downfall. The way in which he does so is that he cannot accept that his niece has fallen in love with Rodolpho whom he despises. When others do not conform to his ideas, ‘the guy aint right’ it often leads to conflict. Since he comes from a Sicilian background, he sees himself in the traditional role of the male breadwinner, the head of the house and is used to getting his own way. He believes that being the man of the house means he should have authority over his wife and niece, who naturally defer to him. He demands a certain type of respect from everyone. The moment we realise what his beliefs are, we immediately understand this as a threat. Since Catherine and Beatrice conform to his demands he has no problem until the cousins arrive. He has this idea that he has to be consulted before any decisions are to be made in his house. This is shown when he is talking to Catherine about her new job offer, and demands to know ‘Why didn’t you ask me before you took the job?’ Even though she is now old enough to make her own decisions, he wants to feel like he is the provider in the house, therefore he feels threatened when Catherine wants to work too. Eddie hates the idea of her entering a male dominated world of work and adult responsibility.

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     Eddie argues and questions Rodolpho’s presence in America, ‘If he’s come here to work, then he should work; if he’s come here for a good time then he could fool around’, when Rodolpho appears to be getting closer to Catherine. By inviting Rodolpho to dance with Catherine, she aggravates Eddie. He replies by giving Rodolpho a lesson in boxing. Eddie pretends to be pleased with Rodolpho but the real hostility is not concealed very well and soon becomes evident to all. Marco is not deceived, and rushes to his brother’s aid by conducting a contest in physical strength, ...

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