We see Eddie’s progression through the play from a respected man to a “rat that belongs in the sewers”. His dishonourable love for his niece clouds his judgment and leads him to believe that he is always right. He is unwilling to submit to the fact that Catherine is no longer a baby, and that she can makes her own decisions. With confidence drawn from her auntie and lover she betrays Eddie despite his accusations and agrees to marry Rodolpho. Unlike Eddie, Catherine’s betrayal is committed for all the right reasons – love for Rodolpho, wanting to live her own life, etc.
The many years Eddie has spent feeding his family and helping them through life has made him overprotective and suspicious of anyone who may come between them. Eddie looks to his good friend and lawyer Alfieri, questioning him on what he should do about Rodolpho. Although Alfieri is a lawyer, even he knows right from wrong, and warns Eddie that if he betrays the brothers he will lose the respect of not only them but the whole neighbourhood “you won’t have a friend in the world, Eddie!”. Eddie refuses to consider Alfieri’s advice and reports their illegal immigration. This proves Eddie has no fixed principle of justice, and that only his feelings dictate what he believes to be just. Eddie only realises his actions were wrong before it’s too late. Refusing to admit Marco’s accusations that he was responsible, he hides his sense of betrayal by directing violent words at him. Eddie desperately demands for his name back, the one thing he believes will give him his respect.
In prison, Marco questions Alfieri about what will become of Eddie. Alfieri explains that he only obeyed the law, and will therefore live. Marco tells him of how Eddie’s degraded his brother, his blood, robbed his children and mocked his work “In my country he would be dead now. He would not live his long.” Marco believes to promise not to kill Eddie would be dishonourable, and yet Alfieri convinces him to promise and releases him so that he may work till his hearing. Although Marco realises his life in America will be no more, he still feels a sense of accomplishment because his brother has a chance to have residency “well – we did something”. Despite his promise made, in the end Marco betrays his brother, killing Eddie with a knife.
In the eyes of Eddie and Marco, family comes first, but in what way they perceive this statement is entirely different. Both men strive to protect theirs and their family’s honour no matter what the consequences may be. Similar to the tale of Vinny, they ironically take actions into their own hands and serve what they believe is justice. Little do they know, they are too stubborn to realise “only God makes justice”, and that all they’re causing is pain and suffering. Eddie and Marco allow their personal feelings to affect their idea of what is just. Like Alfieri said, people do not have the right to define justice because their desires become too involved.
