A View From The Bridge

Later on in the scene Beatrice is introduced. At this point the job Catherine's been offered is announced. Eddies reaction is quick 'What job, she's going to finish school.' Instantly Eddie has decided that it's a bad idea, and says no as if it's his decision to make, even though Catherine is 17. Eddie seems to struggle with the fact that Catherine could have independence. The stage directions tell is that Eddie is so worried that he is almost sickened. Catherine doesn't seem to argue and it is left to Beatrice to fight her corner. It is also Beatrice that introduces the idea again, that Eddie takes his parental duties too far 'you gonna keep her in the house all her life?' Through out this scene Eddie calls Catherine 'Baby', and I think that is the way he sees her.

Marco and Rodolfo, Beatrice's cousins, arrive as illegal immigrants. With that Eddie feels more unstable about his control over Catherine. In the evening Eddie asserts his authority over Catherine by embarrassing her and making a fuss over the high heel shoes, which she had put on to, impress the new comers.

Rodolfo and Catherine's love grows evident as they start to spend more time with each other. This influences Eddies feelings towards Rodolfo; 'He gives me the heebie-jeebies' and 'He aint right' -implying he's gay.

Also Rodolfo talents of cooking, singing and sewing, weren't stereotypical of a man in the 1950s, Eddie uses it against him. Rodolfo may be different, but Eddie takes it too far. Eddie seem to take every unique about Rodolfo and twist it. Beatrice says that Rodolfo is a' goodlookin' hard workin' kid' and strongly disagrees with Eddie.

I think that one of the main changing points in Catherine and Eddie's relationship is when Beatrice talks to Catherine about her behaviour around Eddie. She tells her not to 'walk around in your slip' and not to 'sit on the edge of the tub talking to him when he's shaving in his underwear'. She adds that ultimately 'If you act like a baby he'll treat you like a baby.' Catherine is very close to Beatrice and trusts her, but finds what she says about her and Eddie a shock. Catherine still seems hurt that Eddie dislikes Rodolfo so much and trys to settle his feelings on a number of occasions.

Eddies Jealousy accumulates and he ends up talking to Alfieri, an old friend and lawyer. Alfieri, however, does not say what Eddie want to hear. Eddie say that it has 'eaten him out' to see Catherine in love with Rodolfo. His love for Catherine seems to have changed from fatherly love to romantic and passionate love, even though he will not admit it. Alfieri states that 'I knew where he was heading for; I knew where he was gong to end.'

The climax of act one is at the end, Eddie pretends to envy Rodolfo's talents and offers to take him to a fight. This leads up to Eddie 'teaching' Rodolfo to fight- an excuse for him to hit him. Before Eddie hit Rodolfo the reader can sense the anger Eddie is feeling 'Now I'm going to hit you.' Rodolfo stagers back hurt, but Catherine runs forwards to her lover's side. This is the first time Catherine independently makes a decision, and chooses Rodolfo over Eddie. This upsets Eddie even more.

In addition to that disappointment Eddie is also put into place by Marco, when he shows him a feat that he can not also do.

It is before Christmas and Eddie arrives home late and drunk. Eddie sees Rodolfo follow Catherine out of the bedroom as she adjusts her dress. Eddie can see that there relationship has moved on and tells Rodolfo to leave immediately. Catherine says that she will go with him but as she tries to leave Eddie kisses her, on the mouth. I think that this shows Eddies true feelings as he is drunk.

Catherine's decision over Rodolfo has been made and she remains strong. Eddie finally resorts to going against all family honours and phones the immigration bureau.

Rodolfo is arrested and Catherine hates Eddie for it. She calls him a rat and says that he belongs in the sewer.

Eddie has lost all respect and friends but most of all Catherine. Marco challenges Eddie for a fight. Eddie is stabbed and ties in the street, bleeding to death. Catherine tells Eddie that she never meant anything bad to happen to him. I think that she feels guilty for all that has happened.

To begin with I thought that it was just Eddie's obsessive behaviour that ended his life. However I don't think that he understood his feelings for Catherine and so it was his confusion that hurt everyone and lead to his death.