Summary of Arthur Miller's Play, A View from the Bridge

Arthur Miller’s play “A View From the Bridge” revolves around the downfall of a tragic hero Eddie Carbone, who happens to be a long shore man living in Red Hook, Brooklyn with his wife Beatrice and niece Catherine. The extract being examined is a scene in which Eddie reinforces the perils of betraying family, specifically reporting them as illegal immigrants to the Immigration Bureau. He does so through telling the story of Vinny Bolzano who executed exactly that. Miller makes this a fascinating moment to return to when one is informed of what happens later on in the play because of its significance in presenting the situational irony, character development, as well as foreshadowing major events.

To begin with, this is the final scene before Marco and Rodolpho enter the play and the Carbone home- and everything changes. This is the final scene in which Eddie demonstrates his domination in the household, he tells Catherine she was “ a baby then” at the time period of Vinny’s setting which conveys that he is aware that she is older and more mature now, however, continuously refers to her as “kid”- belittling her and denying the fact that she is not captive to stay in their home or with Eddie for any longer. Eddie is also “standing facing the two seated women” towards the end of the conversation, exemplifying the hierarchy existent in their home and his prevalence over the two women. As events continue to unfold, the defeat of Eddie gradually begins.

Furthermore, amongst being the dominating figure at this point in the tragedy, other characteristics of Eddie are shown such as his sense of loyalty and principle. From this extract, it is concluded that a code of honor is present in the Red Hook community. Eddie is a man who pays a l...

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...witched roles in Eddie’s mind as Eddie develops incestuous emotions towards Catherine and neglects Beatrice. Unexpectedly and ironically, Eddie’s last words before his death were “My B!” – instead of to Catherine. Unlike any other moment in the screenplay, the once dominating Eddie now needs Beatrice more than she needs him and the once put away Catherine no longer aims to meet Eddie’s expectations or seek his approval.

In conclusion, Miller was able to make this a fascinating moment through his embedment of a cautiously constructed plot, external and internal conflicts, and themes, which all aided in the situational irony, foreshadowing, and character development. Because of Vinny Bolzano’s story and themes of power and honor the audience was completely caught off guard by Eddie’s later actions and was able to appreciate the scene which was being examined.