From the outset we see that Eddie is a kind, well respected and generous man. He is kind because he always put Catherine ahead of him because he promised her mother he would look after her after she passes away. For example Eddie states “you’re an angel god’ll bless you.” This indicates he his being kind to his wife.
He is generous because he let Marco and Rodolpho stay in his house. For example Eddie states “because as soon as soon as you see a tired relative, I end up on the floor.” This indicates Eddie is willing to give up his bed for his tired relatives.
He is well respected because he is a hardworking person. For example Louis states, “Believe me Eddie you got a lot of credit coming to you.” This indicates he deserves a lot of credit.
However early in the play we become aware that Eddie also has a bad side to him. He is overprotective because he treats Catherine like a child. For example Eddie states “You’re a baby, you don’t understand these things.” This indicates that Eddie is being too overprotective. Eddie also has a macho attitude. For example Eddie states …”he sings… paper doll they’re callin’ him, canary. He’s like a weird”. This indicates Eddie is making bad remarks about Rodolpho behind his back. Eddie also is an aggressive person. For example Eddie states, “Now, watch out here I come Danish”! This indicates Eddie is being violent towards Rodolpho.
As the play progresses we realise that Eddie become jealous of Catherine and Rodolpho. Eddie wants to split up Catherine and Rodolpho so he humiliates Rodolpho by kissing him in front of Catherine. For example Catherine states “Eddie let go, ya hear me”! This indicates Eddie is trying to prove to Catherine that Rodolpho is gay, so Catherine can leave Rodolpho
Eventually Eddie’s behaviour becomes almost crazed. We see this when he tries to put Catherine on the right track. He turns obsessive and cruel. For example Eddie states, “That’s a hit and run guy baby, he’s got bright lights in his head, Broadway. Them guys don’t think of nobody but their self! You marry him and the next time you see him it’ll be for divorce.” This indicates Eddie is trying to say Rodolpho is not after Catherine’s love and he is just after a passport.
Eddies crazed behaviour ultimately leads to his own death. Eddie betrays Marco and Rodolpho for the sake of Catherine. For example Marco states, “That one! He killed my children.” This indicates Marco is burning with anger so much that he wants to kill Eddie. Eddies stubbornness also leads to his own death. For example Eddie states “I want my name!.. Marcos got my name.” This indicates he would do any thing to get his pride and loyalty back.
What is more, Eddie did not follow into the right path. He had many opportunities to make up for his mistakes but he decided not to. He did not take the advice he received. For example Beatrice states “Eddie, if you want my advice go to her and tell her good luck” and also Alfieri states, “let her go and bless her.” This indicates if Eddies took those advices Eddie would still have been alive.
Nevertheless throughout the play we see how Eddies behaviour changes. He goes from good to bad, but however we fell a lot of sympathy for Eddie because he sacrificed himself for Catherine. Beatrice and Catherine also played a part in Eddie’s death. For example Beatrice states “What do you want from me? They’re already moved out; what do you want know? This indicates Beatrice is not on Eddie’s side and Eddie is feeling suicidal. Catherine also states “no I made my mind up.” This indicates Eddies feels he has failed his task. The audience will have mixed feelings about Eddie. They think that he is crazed because he gave his life just for his niece, but some will think that he is a brave person who stood up for what he believes. I think Alfieri is saying in his soliloquy that deep inside Eddie is a good person. For example Alfieri states, “I think I love him more than all my sensible clients.” This indicates Alfieri is trying to say that Eddie was not a bad person after all.
I would seem that Eddie is a totally crazed person, but however he does have a good side to him. For example Eddie states, “Because as soon as you see a tired relative I end up on the floor.” This indicates that Eddie is generous, but that does not mean he is fully a good person. For example Eddie states, “You’re a baby, you don’t understand these things!” This indicates that Eddie is being overprotective, but however I personally think Eddie was a good person, because he was a tragic her, therefore he gave his life for Catherine. For example Alfieri states, “even as I know how wrong he was…. Something perversely pure caus to me from his memory. Not purely good, but himself purely, for he allowed himself to be wholly known and for that I think I will love him more than my sensible clients.” This indicates Alfieri is trying to say that Eddie had his bad attitude for the sake of Catherine.
By Abdul Kalam
10.6