The story “A View From The Bridge” came from Millers Lawyer friend who told him about a recent story of longshoremen who had “ratted” to the Immigration Bureau on his two brothers, who were living illegally in his home. The longshoreman did this just so he could break up the engagement of one of the brothers and his niece. As Miller was busy with other projects he noted the story but didn’t do anything at the time. During a later visit to Sicily however, Miller saw and learnt the habit of these men who went on hungry and looking for work.
It was from his visit to Sicily and the story told to him by his friend that the play “A View From The Bridge” was created. It was intended to be a modern version of traditional Greek tragedy. The full version of this play was performed worldwide in 1956. However, the most successful production of it was at London’s National Theatre in 1987.
“A View From The Bridge” is a play about a longshoreman Eddie Carbone, and his family. When distant cousins came to New York as illegal immigrants one of them, Rodolpho, falls in love with Catherine, Eddie’s niece. Eddie with his obsession and unconditional love for Catherine is driven to take action, which results in his own death.
It is in Act One that the dramatic tension starts to build up. Every time tension is built Alfieri steps into the scene. Tension is first built up when the cousins, Marco and Rodolpho arrive at the flat. It is from this point that Eddie starts to dislike Rodolpho as the audience can see that he speaks to Marco but not to Rodolpho. The tension increases when it is made known to Eddie that Rodolpho sings and he is able to sing one of Catherine’s favourite songs, “Paper Doll”. From this point Eddie’s jealousy becomes clear to the audience. Tension is also built when Eddie tries to show Catherine he is more of a man than Rodolpho by challenging Rodolpho to a boxing match. Knowing that Rodolpho doesn’t know how to box, Eddie takes advantage and lets out all his anger. Rodolpho doesn’t hit Eddie back because he respects him. Marco, Rodolpho’s elder brother, does not just sit there but instead he challenges Eddie to lift a chair with one arm. Marco does this because in Italian culture, family, honour, loyalty and respect are very important. The scene is full of dramatic tension and helps the audience expect greater dramatic tension in Act Two.
Alfieri is the character used to divide each act into unofficial scenes, and inform the audience on any missed action. Alfieri himself is an Italian American lawyer. As much as he is dedicated to his job and profession, he is still loyal to the Italian morals.
The play is told from Alfieri’s point of view. He symbolically shows the audience the bridge between Italian and the American culture. Alfieri is seen when tension is building up. He explains to the audience what has happened and gives hints about what will happen, which keeps the audience in suspense. Alfieri knows exactly what is going to happen and how the play is to end – “I could have finished the whole story that afternoon”, because he is like the chorus figure in a Greek tragedy that is able to see the future. As well as telling the audience the future and building up their suspense, he also hints to Eddie that his feelings for Catherine are unnatural which helps the audience see the true problem. However, Eddie does not pick up on the hints given to him, which guarantees disaster and greater dramatic tension in Act Two.
Alfieri also prepares the audience for what to expect in Act Two. Act One can be seen as an exposition. It is full of dramatic tension and throughout Alfieri is essential in his role guiding the audience through t5he unexpected and often dramatic events.
