Examine the ideas of Manliness, Hostility and Aggression in 'A View from the Bridge' - How are these ideas connected ?

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English Coursework- Anne Moore

Examine the ideas of Manliness, Hostility and Aggression in ‘A View from the Bridge’- How are these ideas connected ?

I think that manliness plays a key part in ‘A View From the Bridge’, as Eddie the main character is very particular about this quality. As Eddie is always at the centre of any conflict in the play, so is the theme of masculinity. You can almost argue that manliness is the source of the conflict. If Eddie didn’t have such a narrow strict view of what he thinks manliness is, then he would probably be much more accepting and less aggressive. As it is Eddie finds it hard to get on with Rodolpho, who does not show many signs of being ‘manly’. Eddie also feels threatened by Marco, Rodolpho's cousin who is very masculine and stronger than Eddie is. The range of conflict goes from the length of Catherine’s skirt to a strength competition between Marco and Eddie with the chair, and when Eddie constantly attacks Rodolpho’s lack of manliness. Indeed it is manliness that starts the tragedy of the play going, and it is manliness that finishes it.  

There are many qualities that Eddie considers to be manly, like protecting his family. For example he is worried over where Catherine will go to work saying ‘I don’t like the neighbourhood over there’. This protectiveness goes a little too far sometimes, and when Catherine stays out late with Rodolpho, Eddie feels she is disobeying him. This makes him feel even more duty bound. To be a man in Eddie’s view, you also have to be the breadwinner. Eddie is angry with Catherine, when she points out the money she will be earning with her new job and asks ‘did I ask you for money? I supported you this long’. He is reluctant to let Catherine have some freedom, and is indignant at the thought that he can’t support her. Eddie feels he has a duty and honour to his family, which is part of the reason he lets the cousins stay. To Eddie it is almost as if manliness is an instinct every male has. Manliness consists of territory and strength. A man must protect his territory, and to go beyond other men’s boundaries or insult them or their family is a criminal offence. When he lets Rodolpho into his house or territory, he expects him to comply with his rules, as he is supposed to be in charge. When Rodolpho does not obey Eddie, and continues to develop his relationship with Catherine, he tells him to ‘get outa here’. Eddie has a lot of pride; he wants respect from the neighbours, and his family. He feels uncomfortable being challenged, and is very aware of what the other longshoremen call Rodolpho. He objects to Alfieri ‘they’re laughin at him on the piers, I’m ashamed’. He feels Rodolpho is letting the family down.

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Rodolpho does not conform to Eddie’s idea of masculinity, because he does not act as Eddie and the other longshoremen do. Eddie is sure ‘the guy ain’t right’. When he tries to explain to Alfieri all Rodolpho’s faults and Alfieri disagrees, Eddie is angry. Eddie argues that ‘ he sings, he cooks, he could make dresses’ which to him is not normal. Rodolpho doesn’t seem to care about what other people think of him. He has no wife and family and seems to be flighty. Eddie says to Catherine ‘ you marry him and the next time you’ll see him, ...

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