A View From The Bridge

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GCSE Coursework: Examine how the Sicilian cultural background influences the action in "A View from the Bridge".

Eddie is a Sicilian immigrant living in New York as a long shore man. He is strict because he follows the Sicilian code of conduct. He works hard and looks after Beatrice (his wife) and her orphaned niece Catherine. They are poor but content.

Beatrice's cousins, Marco and Rodolpho arrived illegally from Sicily. The Carbone family's life changes forever with the arrival Marco and Rodolpho in New York. Their lives and loyalties are tested - and results in tragedy for the Carbone family. The Sicilian people believe that they should follow their code of conduct very strictly. For example, before Marco and Rodolpho came to stay, Eddie told Beatrice and Catherine - "Just remember, kid, you can quicker get back a million dollars that was stole than a word that you gave away."This informs us about how much Sicilians respect their culture and heritage and would do anything to make sure they do not expose the illegal immigrants that live amongst them. In a similar circumstance, the community's deep cultural connections with old Sicily, and Sicilian ways of understanding 'justice' and honour are very entrenched.

Marco is different from Rodolpho in terms of his character and ambition. Each one of them came to the United States for completely different reasons. They are viewed differently by those around them and react differently to the situations that are presented to them.

Marco came to the United States for one reason only, and that is, to make enough money to return to Italy in six years to provide for his sick family. His children are sick with tuberculosis and he is unable to provide for them in a country that is still rebuilding from the ravages of World War II. Marco is seen as one of the guys on the docks; he works hard and the rest of the long-shoremen respect him and his work ethic. Marco does not wish to stay in the United States permanently. He longs to return home to his family. Finally, he believes strongly in the Sicilian code of conduct and anyone who comes between him and his family would suffer in pain - just like Eddie did. (Quote)
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Rodolpho only came to the United States to make big money. He wanted to be rich and famous. Rodolpho is quite wimpy and has a very feminine side. For example, Rodolpho loves to cook, sew and sing. Rodolpho also works at the docks. The long-shoremen do not really respect Rodolpho but find him funny as he is very feminine and has a unusual hair colour for someone of his background. Rodolpho does not know why the long-shoremen laughs at him but he may assume that they are trying to be friendly. Rodolpho does not want to return to ...

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