How Does Arthur Miller Build Up Tension at The End of Act 1 of ‘A View from the Bridge’?

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How Does Arthur Miller Build Up Tension at The End of Act 1 of ‘A View from the Bridge’?

Set in Red Hook, Brooklyn, Arthur Miller’s play explores the life of an Italian-American and how they adjust, also learning about traditions along the way by following a character named Eddie Carbone.

In my essay I will look at the tension, how it was caused and the result of it.

Firstly, I will examine and comment on the tension that arises in each relationship between certain characters: Eddie and Beatrice; Eddie and Catherine; Eddie and Rodolfo; Beatrice and Catherine. I will also examine how Alfieri; who plays the chorus; reports on the tension.

Secondly, I will comment on the stage directions and how it reflects to the tension in the first act. The stage directions can tell us what the characters are doing, thinking and feeling, from this I can comment on the tension.

Thirdly, I will examine the language of each character and why they use that language; from this I can comment on why they behave in that way and how it builds up the tension.

I believe these three main areas are the source for the tension, he characters’ relationships, the stage directions and the language of each character. I will also make a small report on the Italian traditions.

As I have already said, much of the tension in the play is the result of the relationship between different characters.

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First of all I will examine the relationship between Eddie and Catherine. Eddie is like a father figure to Catherine, ‘I think it’s too short, ain’t it?’ Eddie referring to Catherine’s skirt, this shows he is over-protective, like a father figure. Also he might be jealous of her and want to see her as a lover, that maybe the reason why he was against her taking a job.

Eddie’s relationship with Beatrice contains a lot of tension; their marriage is ‘rocky’. Beatrice even stated to Eddie, ‘When am I going to be a wife again Eddie?’ she is referring to ...

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