Masculinity in A View From The Bridge by Arthur Miller

Masculinity in A View From The Bridge by Arthur Miller

Miller uses several forms of masculinity to show the audience that in

different circumstances and cultures different forms of masculinity

are possible. This is shown to us by comparing both extremes of

masculinity and what they both involve. In the longshoreman culture

respect is as much a part of a man as is his own image. This leads to

those members of the community going to extraordinary lengths to keep

their reputation in order to stop them being emasculated in the eyes

of the community. In the Sicilian culture this is not so true and a

form of masculinity that has certain feminine qualities is shown to

us.

The Longshoreman way of life leads to a single form of masculinity

emerging for the community. This is the only form of masculinity found

amongst the people and is based upon a persons strength. In this

community not only is physical strength an issue but also how others

view you. The main problem with this form of masculinity that we are

shown by Miller, is that, because the Masculinity of those in the

community is based upon how others in the community view them, respect

is the sole way that men can see how masculine they are "I want my

respect". This alienates the men from themselves. "When am I gonna to

be a wife again Eddie...I got nothing to say about it". This

subsequently causes the men not to "settle for half". This is shown in

the stand off between Marco and Eddie. "Wipin' the neighbourhood with

my name like a dirty rag! I want my name, Marco…gimme my name". Miller

uses this image of masculinity to show the audience that the normal

form of masculinity is n...

... middle of paper ...

... uncomfortable with him. It

can also make them feel embarrassed when this effeminate style

prevails in the sexual arena over the more common form of masculinity.

We can see that miller shows the audience three forms of masculinity

and through the characters of the play helps to show the audience the

problems with each. If we look at the play overall a rather odd thing

seems to happen. Miller seems to tell us through his hidden arguments

that the normal and generally accepted form of masculinity is not the

best. He seems to champion the more effeminate style over the

masculinity that is based upon brute force and strength. Miller

suggests that there would be less tension amongst the characters if

the were all less honour and image based and that they should all

except each and every style of masculinity that there is.