In A View from the Bridge Arthur Miller explores the theme of masculinity in a variety of ways. He portrays the different 'types' of masculinity in the personalities of his protagonists

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07/05/2007          

The theme of masculinity in A View from the Bridge

In A View from the Bridge Arthur Miller explores the theme of masculinity in a variety of ways. He portrays the different ‘types’ of masculinity in the personalities of his protagonists. His evident ability to express the various views of masculinity in the play allows him to convey these ideas to the audience, leaving them questioning their own views of masculinity. In this essay I intend to examine the ways Arthur Miller has suggested that there is no ‘typical’ man through the characters and give my feelings on the impact of his thoughts.

In brief, the story prior to this episode in the play reflects two major changes in the lives of the Carbone family; Catherine’s new job and the arrival of Beatrice’s cousins as illegal immigrants, Marco and Rodolpho. Rodolpho and Catherine begin a relationship but this causes disruption in the home as Eddie does not approve of the relationship, due to his unconscious incestuous desires for Catherine. Catherine and Eddie argue as Catherine feels very strongly towards Rodolpho and Eddie seeks advice from Alfieri, advice he does not take, due to his stubborn views.

In the scene I am writing about, the last scene of Act I, has a big impact on his characters as Rodolpho and Catherine see Eddie’s feelings of disapproval towards their relationship grow into hatred towards Rodolpho. Eddie is challenged by Marco and he fails which is certainly a sign of the tragedy which is to follow.

The main protagonist, Eddie, certainly has the most obvious and extreme views on masculinity. He is the stereotypical male, strong, controlling, insensitive and chauvinistic. His job, working on the water front, means he spends a lot of time in the company of men with the same ideas about masculinity as himself. He is feeling insecure about his manhood as he feels that the male should have sexual dominance but he is not currently having sex with his wife, he does not want to bring up the issue as he tells Beatrice not to talk about it with him, but he is certainly concerned about his dominance in the home. This is also emphasised by the fact that the women in his family seem to be willing to accept that he is the controlling voice in the household, for example when Catherine is offered her job she will not accept it unless Eddie is happy with the situation, but in this instance Catherine argues with Eddie about Rodolpho and will not abide by his ruling, which undermines his authority even more.

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The arrival of Marco and Rodolpho is the catalyst that changes Miller’s male view, we originally feel Eddie is the image of masculinity, but the introduction of these important characters change the view of the audience. Are these two men, although not the perfect picture of the stereotypical male, any less masculine than Eddie Carbone? Eddie feels the traits he possesses are what make a man and when a less stereotypical male makes an appearance, such as Rodolpho, Eddie cannot cope and feels he is ‘not quite right.’ He warms to Marco earlier as he appears to be similar ...

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