The Bridge by Arthur Miller

The Bridge by Arthur Miller A View from the Bridge Closely Analyse the End of Act 1 commenting on

the Dramatic effect of characters and their actions.

A View from the Bridge, by Arthur Miller, is a study in manipulation.

Throughout the text, the main characters of Eddie, Catherine,

Beatrice, Rodolpho and Marco both struggle to dominate others and

accept being dominated. The lines of power are drawn quite clearly to

begin with ; Eddie is evidently the dominant power – holder. However

throughout the narrative there is a shift in power and those who once

held little sway over others become the deciding forces. This transfer

in power becomes apparent to the reader through a variety of

techniques, such as dialogue, stage directions (for example, the chair

– lifting incident) and non – verbal interaction between the

characters. A View from the Bridge is a text which appeals to the

reader’s understanding of the characters by forcing audiences to

understand their hierachy and also contributes to the evaluation of

the transfer of power between indivisuals and the manipulation of

others.

The power structures apparent in the opening stages of A View from the

Bridge are headed by Eddie being the most dominant. Catherine and

Beatrice are clearly subservent to him, with this obedience revealing

itself on numerous occasions such as when Catherine lights his cigar

and the constant setting of the table and other ‘woman duties’ by both

women and later on Rodolpho. Eddie holds power over the women by

deciding their submissive positions for them, such as his...

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...eared. If he had not sought such a totalitarian grasp over

the emotions of those around him he would have earned more respect

than by his method of trying to force his way back up the ranks.

However, it ‘s unfair to say that he is the only one who manipulates

others. All of the characters in the text struggle to shift the

position of power to a more suitable arrangement and each in their own

ways. A variety of techniques was used by each of the characters and a

variety of results was achieved. A View from the Bridge is a search

for power on all sides and allowed us an insight into what impelled

the characters to do what they did to achieve that power. It shows us

to what extent some will go to dominate, manipulate and influence and

also the consequences that will be suffered in order to maintain that

tight hold of power.