Assignment A: Modern Drama
Sunday 4th February 2018
How does Arthur Miller present the character of Eddie Carbone in
A View from the Bridge?
A View from the Bridge is a domestic tragedy which follows the hectic life of the Carbone
family and the downfall of Eddie Carbone. Eddie Carbone, our main protagonist; a forty-
year-old man, living in Red Hook, (one of the poorest areas of Brooklyn). As head of the
house, he takes on a dominant role as it was typical for traditional Italian communities and
families in this period. Eddie Carbone is an ordinary longshoreman; a local dock worker who
works for minimum wage, who is employed to load and unload cargo from ships. Eddie is the
main focus of the play, as most conflict revolves around himself. He displays both positive
and negative traits throughout, and can be seen as the tragic hero during many scenes.
Although traditionally tragic heroes should have been those of higher status; Miller believed
that ‘Common Men’ were also capable and fit to be the subjects of tragedy. Throughout the
play certain tragic elements can be identified including; peripeteia, hamartia, and hubris. By
analysing his jealousy, his dominance and the relationships he has with the women of the
play, his route towards his tragic downfall, and ultimately his death, will be fully discussed.
Eddie displays a masculine and dominant front to the audience. His description portrays a
powerful embodiment of a typical man ‘husky’ and ‘slightly overweight’ along with his
physical occupation as a longshoreman, which indicates that his strength is required on a
daily basis. Eddie’s self-pride is buried within his ego as he takes on the role of the bread-
earner and head of Carbone household. At the beginning of the play, Eddie is seen as a
respected, sensible man. It is clear that he receives a tremendous amount of respect,
especially from both Catherine and Beatrice, however, begins to use this to his advantage.
During Act I, we are being recognised on how loyal both women are to Eddie. The stage
directions during Act I, give the women a vulnerable status. ‘She sits on her heels beside him’
Catherine demonstrates submissive behaviour towards Eddie as if Eddie is an important
figure that she must impress. Throughout this scene, Eddie seeks attention as he sits back in
his ‘throne’ centre stage; whilst all the woman hurry around him. Eddie exhibits a dominant
and controlling attitude towards the woman and likes to lead them to his opinions. However,
Eddie also subjects his overpowering manner over the men of the play too. As Rodolpho and
Marco arrive (two Italian immigrants and Beatrice’s distant relatives), Eddie starts to feel
neglected and begins to crave more attention from Catherine. This could be considered in
tragic terms, as one of his major flaws, or hamartia.
Jealousy is a very crucial theme during the play, and a crucial element that most tragic heroes
possess. Eddie craves attention and admiration from each of the characters of the tragedy. In
most scenes, it is clear to see Eddie stepping up to act as the ‘Alpha Male’ in many situations.
With the new arrival of Rodolpho and Marco, Eddie is inquisitive about Rodolpho’s identity
as he portrays himself as quite a charismatic individual with reasonably feminine features.
Rodolpho is described to have platinum blonde hair with striking good looks, leading
Catherine and Beatrice to gain attraction towards him almost immediately. Catherine isn’t
hesitant when illustrating her fondness towards Rodolpho. Even though Eddie tries to suggest
that Rodolpho is using Catherine in order to become a legal US citizen. This allegation could
be precise as Rodolpho continuously reminds the audience of his longing to maintain a life in
America and live the ‘American Dream’. ‘I want to be an American. And then I want to go
back to Italy when I am rich, and I will buy a motorcycle.’ During this moment of the play,
Eddie can sense Catherine’s devotion for Rodolpho and decides to accuse Rodolpho of not
being sincere to his beloved Catherine. However, it is clear Catherine’s love for Rodolpho is
1
Sunday 4th February 2018
How does Arthur Miller present the character of Eddie Carbone in
A View from the Bridge?
A View from the Bridge is a domestic tragedy which follows the hectic life of the Carbone
family and the downfall of Eddie Carbone. Eddie Carbone, our main protagonist; a forty-
year-old man, living in Red Hook, (one of the poorest areas of Brooklyn). As head of the
house, he takes on a dominant role as it was typical for traditional Italian communities and
families in this period. Eddie Carbone is an ordinary longshoreman; a local dock worker who
works for minimum wage, who is employed to load and unload cargo from ships. Eddie is the
main focus of the play, as most conflict revolves around himself. He displays both positive
and negative traits throughout, and can be seen as the tragic hero during many scenes.
Although traditionally tragic heroes should have been those of higher status; Miller believed
that ‘Common Men’ were also capable and fit to be the subjects of tragedy. Throughout the
play certain tragic elements can be identified including; peripeteia, hamartia, and hubris. By
analysing his jealousy, his dominance and the relationships he has with the women of the
play, his route towards his tragic downfall, and ultimately his death, will be fully discussed.
Eddie displays a masculine and dominant front to the audience. His description portrays a
powerful embodiment of a typical man ‘husky’ and ‘slightly overweight’ along with his
physical occupation as a longshoreman, which indicates that his strength is required on a
daily basis. Eddie’s self-pride is buried within his ego as he takes on the role of the bread-
earner and head of Carbone household. At the beginning of the play, Eddie is seen as a
respected, sensible man. It is clear that he receives a tremendous amount of respect,
especially from both Catherine and Beatrice, however, begins to use this to his advantage.
During Act I, we are being recognised on how loyal both women are to Eddie. The stage
directions during Act I, give the women a vulnerable status. ‘She sits on her heels beside him’
Catherine demonstrates submissive behaviour towards Eddie as if Eddie is an important
figure that she must impress. Throughout this scene, Eddie seeks attention as he sits back in
his ‘throne’ centre stage; whilst all the woman hurry around him. Eddie exhibits a dominant
and controlling attitude towards the woman and likes to lead them to his opinions. However,
Eddie also subjects his overpowering manner over the men of the play too. As Rodolpho and
Marco arrive (two Italian immigrants and Beatrice’s distant relatives), Eddie starts to feel
neglected and begins to crave more attention from Catherine. This could be considered in
tragic terms, as one of his major flaws, or hamartia.
Jealousy is a very crucial theme during the play, and a crucial element that most tragic heroes
possess. Eddie craves attention and admiration from each of the characters of the tragedy. In
most scenes, it is clear to see Eddie stepping up to act as the ‘Alpha Male’ in many situations.
With the new arrival of Rodolpho and Marco, Eddie is inquisitive about Rodolpho’s identity
as he portrays himself as quite a charismatic individual with reasonably feminine features.
Rodolpho is described to have platinum blonde hair with striking good looks, leading
Catherine and Beatrice to gain attraction towards him almost immediately. Catherine isn’t
hesitant when illustrating her fondness towards Rodolpho. Even though Eddie tries to suggest
that Rodolpho is using Catherine in order to become a legal US citizen. This allegation could
be precise as Rodolpho continuously reminds the audience of his longing to maintain a life in
America and live the ‘American Dream’. ‘I want to be an American. And then I want to go
back to Italy when I am rich, and I will buy a motorcycle.’ During this moment of the play,
Eddie can sense Catherine’s devotion for Rodolpho and decides to accuse Rodolpho of not
being sincere to his beloved Catherine. However, it is clear Catherine’s love for Rodolpho is
1
