Two essay plans on scenes from "A View From The Bridge".

Conclusion

• Key turning point as from this scene onwards all events lead toward the tragic ending and Eddie’s death.

Paragraph 2

Statement

• As a result of Eddie’s betrayal Marco no longer shows him respect. Everything after this scene is focused on hatred, betrayal and destruction.

Discussion of text

• As a direct result of Eddie phoning immigration:

• Marco and Rodolfo get arrested by immigration
• The Carbone family begins to fall apart
• Eddie is losing control of himself. Consumed by his feelings toward Catherine.

Quote and Analysis

‘Marco spits into Eddie’s face’

• Miller’s use of stage direction
• Symbolic action used to highlight Eddie’s betrayal
• Action as a direct result of Eddie’s betrayal (turning point in the play)
• Action symbolizes the beginning of Eddie’s descent into tragedy

Conclusion

• This action highlights the impact of the turning point (phoning immigration). The lives of the characters are beginning to unravel and the play is moving towards the tragic ending.

Paragraph 3

Statement

• Eddie’s decision to report Rodolfo and Marco to immigration is a key turning point in the play. It is ultimately the cause of Eddie’s death

Discussion of text

• Eddie’s refusal to take responsibility for his actions
• Eddie’s refusal to attend Catherine’s wedding
• Eddie and Marco’s fight

Quote and Analysis

The decision to phone immigration and the resulting action leads to Eddie’s physical and metaphorical death.

‘Wipin’ the neighbourhood with my name like a dirty rag.’

• Eddie’s metaphorical death within the community – name and reputation
• Eddie’s literal death
• Eddie’s blame of everyone else but actually his death caused by the key decision to go against his beliefs and the community and phone immigration

Conclusion

• Key turning point in the play leads to the ultimate tragedy of the play. Eddie’s death and the death of the good Carbone name.

Overall Conclusion

• Sum up all the points you have made
• LINK back to the question (both parts)

• Key scene/Turning point
• How the turning point leads to the ultimate tragedy of the play
• All scenes that follow Eddie’s decision to call immigration are as a direct result of it (turning point)

• Personal opinion

Intermediate 2 Critical Essay Plan – A View From The Bridge

Question:

Choose a play in which a main character has a human weakness, such as ambition, jealousy, arrogance, self-doubt etc.

Explain how the character’s human weakness affects the events of the play and the other characters in the play.

Introduction:

• Author and title
• Summary
• In this essay I am going to examine how Eddie’s jealousy, caused by his morally incestuous love for his niece Catherine, spirals out of control affecting other characters in the play and leading to the tragic outcome.

Paragraph 1

Statement

• Miller establishes Eddie’s jealousy at the very beginning of the play through his use of dialogue and stage direction.

Discussion of text

• Eddie returning from work to family scene
• Ambiguity of Catherine and Eddie’s relationship

Quote and Analysis

‘Katie, you are walkin’ wavy! I don’t like the looks they’re givin’ you … heads are turnin’ like windmills.’

• Eddie’s jealously
• More possessive and concerned that just a typical fatherly reaction
• Miller is building ambiguity surrounding the relationship with subtle suggestions
• Builds tension
• Foreshadows action to follow

Conclusion

• From the outset Eddie’s jealous nature is established. He inappropriate feelings towards Catherine are hinted at, which builds tension as the play progresses.

Paragraph 2

Statement

• Eddie’s feelings of jealousy become more apparent at the end of Act 1/beginning of Act 2. Alfieri is the only character who is fully aware of Eddie’s feelings. Eddie seeks legal advice from Alfieri about Catherine and Rodolfo’s relationship.

Discussion of text

• Eddie’s jealously spirals out of control as Catherine and Rodolfo’s relationship develops

Quote and Analysis

‘He’s stealing from me.’

• Eddie’s jealousy/Ownership of Catherine

‘You won’t have a friend in the world . . .Even the ones who feel the same will despise you.’

• Miler uses Alfieri to give clues about how Eddie’s jealousy will affect the outcome of the play
• Foreshadowing/Prophetic voice
• Audience are aware of the possible consequences before Eddie is
• Miller cleverly controlling audience’s feelings and understanding of the characters through Alfieri (narrator)

Conclusion

• Eddie’s jealousy growing. Tension building as audience become aware that Eddie’s jealousy is going to directly influence the tragic outcome of the play

Paragraph 3

Statement

• As a direct result of Eddie’s jealousy this play ends tragically with Eddie being isolated from the community and ultimately dying.

Discussion of text

• Eddie reports Rodolfo and Marco to the immigration to stop C and R’s relationship.

Quote and Analysis

‘Marco spits into Eddie’s face.’

• Miller’s use of stage direction
• Symbolic action used to highlight how Eddie’s jealousy drove him to commit the ultimate crime against his community and his family
• Action as a direct result of Eddie’s jealousy
• Action symbolises the tragic ending that befalls Eddie because of his jealousy

Conclusion

• Eddie’s jealousy is ultimately what drives him. It causes him to commit a crime against his family and the community, which results in his reputation being destroyed and his life ending.