A View from the Bridge

Definition

A View from the Bridge is a play by Arthur Miller that explores themes of immigration, family loyalty, and the American Dream within the context of a working-class Italian-American neighborhood in Brooklyn. The narrative unfolds through the perspective of Eddie Carbone, a longshoreman whose life takes a tragic turn due to his conflicting desires and moral dilemmas, reflecting contemporary and postmodern approaches to storytelling by examining the complexities of human relationships and societal pressures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Arthur Miller wrote A View from the Bridge in 1955, and it was originally presented as a one-act play before being expanded into two acts.
2. The play is set in an Italian-American community in Brooklyn during the 1950s, reflecting the cultural tensions and immigrant experiences of that era.
3. Eddie Carbone's character embodies the struggle between personal desires and societal expectations, ultimately leading to his tragic downfall.
4. Miller employs a narrator-like figure, Alfieri, who serves as both a character within the story and an observer, adding layers to the storytelling and connecting it to contemporary themes.
5. The play addresses issues of masculinity, honor, and betrayal, showcasing how these concepts can drive individuals to make desperate choices that affect their lives and families.

Review Questions

• How does Eddie Carbone's character illustrate the conflict between personal desires and societal expectations?
  • Eddie Carbone's character is deeply conflicted between his protective instincts toward his niece Catherine and his forbidden feelings for her. His desire to maintain control over her life stems from societal expectations of masculinity and family loyalty. This tension ultimately leads him to make morally questionable decisions that not only jeopardize his relationship with Catherine but also lead to his tragic demise, showcasing how personal desires can clash with societal norms.
• Discuss how Arthur Miller uses Alfieri as a narrative device to enhance the themes present in A View from the Bridge.
  • Alfieri serves as a crucial narrative device in A View from the Bridge, acting as both a lawyer within the story and a commentator on its events. His reflections provide insight into Eddie's motivations and the consequences of his actions. By bridging the gap between the audience and the characters, Alfieri emphasizes themes such as fate, justice, and the moral complexities faced by individuals in challenging circumstances. His presence allows Miller to explore contemporary issues while maintaining a connection to classic tragedy.
• Evaluate how A View from the Bridge reflects contemporary and postmodern approaches to drama through its themes and structure.
  • A View from the Bridge reflects contemporary approaches through its focus on realistic characters and social issues, delving into themes such as immigration, identity, and familial loyalty. The use of Alfieri as a narrator adds a postmodern layer by breaking the fourth wall and creating a dialogue with the audience about fate and moral choices. The blend of traditional tragedy elements with modern societal concerns exemplifies how Miller navigates complex human emotions while challenging conventional narrative structures, making it relevant across different eras.

Related terms

Tragedy: A genre of literature and drama that presents a serious subject matter and typically ends in a disastrous conclusion for the main character.

Characterization: The process by which an author conveys information about characters in a narrative, often through their actions, dialogue, and interactions with other characters.

Social Realism: An artistic movement that aims to represent everyday life and social issues in a realistic manner, often highlighting the struggles of working-class individuals.