Arthur Miller creates a dramatically effective beginning in Act1 of ‘A View from the Bridge’ by firstly introducing an introductory speech by Alfieri. We know that Alfieri is the Narrator as he is the first to speak and introduce the main character. He links the scenes in the play and he prepares the audience for what is going to happen. An example of this is where he suggests in the quote, “and watch it run its bloody course” that a dreadful tragedy is clearly going to occur further on in the play. This tells the audience that blood may be shed or it’s something so terrible it’s unbearable. The audience know the main character is Eddie Carbone and he has something to do with an incident that will soon occur,” … this ones name was Eddie Carbone”. Alfieri creates suspense and tension through this. We know the key theme in this play is justice referred in Alifieri’s first speech, “justice is very important here” which suggests a crime will be committed, creating a dramatic effective making you want to continue on with the play.
The perceptions that we obtain from the Carbone family are that Beatrice is quite nervous about the cousins coming to stay, “no, im just nervous that’s all” but happy, “Catherine: laughing”. We observed that Eddie is very protective especially over Catherine, responsible, “Katie, I promised your mother on her deathbed. I am responsible or you”, and caring, “listen you been givin’ me the willies the way you walk down the street, I mean it!” but obstinate and controlling, “what job? She’s going to finish school”. This indicates that Eddie is a good father figure for Catherine. They seem like a very warm-hearted, affectionate and hospitable, “go baby, and set the table”. We know Catherine is the best student out of her class mates, “best in her class”, which shows she is a very talented and educated young women”. a very talented and educated person the “best in her class”.
When the two cousins who are illegal immigrants, Marco and Rudulfo arrive, there is a transformation in atmosphere. The relationship between Catherine and Eddie also begins to change because Eddie is jealous of Rudolfo’s and Catherine’s relationship, “Embarrassed now, angered…”. There is also a problem with Eddie and Beatrice’s marriage, “when am I gonna be a wife again, Eddie?” Eddie tries to avoid a discussion about this while on the other hand Beatrice wants to discuss the situation. This suggests a breakdown of communication. The family also seem to show more strain and anxiety, “if everybody keeps his mouth shut, nothin’ can happen”, said by Eddie. When Rudolfo and Catherine announce that they are now an item, Eddie’s protectiveness over her kicks in. He has now gone further than protective. He is now controlling and manipulative, “I just don’t want her hangin’ around….”, “his patience warring”. Rudolfo is seen as a lady figure. He sings, hes blond and self-centred, “…and then I want to go back to Italy when I am rich, and I will buy a motorcycle”. While on the other hand Marco is the opposite hes darker and more reserved, “Marco comes with a certain formal stiffness”. He is also more responsible, “…my wife, I want to send it right away, maybe twenty dollars.” Eddie is the only person to have a problem with Rudolfo. Mike and Louis tell Eddie that Rudolfo has a good sense of humour, which Eddie could perceive in one of several ways. This could make Eddie feel unfavourable as they see Rudolfo in a positive way on the other hand it could confirm Eddies view that he’s right and that Rudolfo is insensible and defiantly not mature. This could also confirm eddies view that Rudolfo is a figure to laugh at ‘Mike: Louis and he explode in laughter’, “you take one look at him everybody’s happy” ‘Eddie: troubled’. Also there are a lot more problems in Eddies and Beatrice’s relationship; it is rapidly deteriorating now after their row. Beatrice is now feeling furious and frightened ‘Beatrice: suddenly with open fright and fury’ this shows conflict and a tense atmosphere.
The final dramatic scene starts with tension, when Eddie and Rudolfo are arguing or disagreeing through conversation, ‘Eddie: resenting his instruction’, “for Christ sakes”. Eddie is being rude and insulting towards Marco, “they count the kids and there’s a couple extra than when they left?” suggesting that Marco’s wife may be committing adultery. The atmosphere becomes extremely tense, now Eddie is frustrated and unsettled with Rudolfo ‘Eddie: (rises, paces up and down)’. Eddie tries to perceive the others by caring for Rudolfo, “… the more you run around like that the more chance you’re takin’”, by doing this he can guide Catherine into breaking up with him. We know Eddies is alone on his argument,” (holding back a voice full of anger)” we know he is doing this through his actions, this builds tension, is he going to explode? What’s going to happen next? We know he feels this way because the rest of his family are on Catherine and Rudolfo’s side which could make Eddie very frustrated as he can’t get his views across. By this he could also be very angry, tense and stressed. Eddie starts to be very intimidating towards Rudolfo, “feeling Eddies eyes on his back” which shows he is jealous and angry as if hes sending a personal warning to Rudolfo. Beatrice tries to distract Eddie “…be nice to go all over in one of those fishin’ boats” which would help ease the tension. We know at this point that Eddie despises Rudolfo and starts to act in an immature and childish way “…he could make dresses” he is ridiculing Rudolfo. Eddie invites Marco to a boxing match, “you ever seen a fight, did you?” he is know trying to act tough and to show that hes strong and masculine, like hes better or more of a manly figure. He also shows this through his actions as if hes getting ready to fight, “… rubbing his fists into his palms…” this shows he is very tense at this point and very unhappy or maybe he has a plan, still being nice and generous on the outside. The atmosphere seems to ease down a little at this point and becomes more relaxed and laid-back, “(Rudolfo laughs)” but the author is demonstrating an example of dramatic irony as this is false. As we know this is fake so dramatic irony is being used. Not forgetting the audience knows more about what is happening and has a more truthful perception of the characters than they do themselves. This makes the audience very suspicious and concerned as if something is about to happen, this causes tension and suspense for the audience, that a manly event of some sort is stirring. Eddie tries to teach Rudolfo how to fight, is it a trap? He boosts Rudolfo’s confidence by handing him compliments, “he’s terrific” then Eddie hits him, “watch out, here I come” this is portrayed like a threat or a warning as if to say, stay away from Catherine. Marco, getting his revenge in some way challenges Eddie, “Can you lift this chair?” But as Eddie soon realises its more than that. Eddie was only ale to lift it 1inch above the ground whereas Marco raised the chair over his head. This was to let Eddie know that he is stronger than him and that he understands what he is up to, protecting his brother and giving him a warning. He laughs this off, “appear like a glare of warning into a smile of triumph” which shows the others he is not threatening him but Eddie obviously knows what he meant. The atmosphere is now tense and formal.
Therefore Arthur Miller creates a dramatically effective beginning through out the play. He creates tone; suspense, tense atmosphere and historical context which make the audiences want to continue to watch the play and keep them guessing the whole way through.