The Role of Alfieri in J.B. Priestley's A View From the Bridge

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The Role of Alfieri in J.B. Priestley's A View From the Bridge

In the play Alfieri acts like a Bridge between the community and the

laws of America. This is shown when Eddie goes to talk about his

feelings because of Rodolfo and wants to send him back to Italy but

just then Alfieri explains the laws to Eddie and tells him that there

is nothing illegal about Rodolfo and Catherine being together. Alfieri

tells us that the themes of the play are Passion and Jealousy and that

a case like Eddies doesn't come all the time.

In the two scenes Alfieri is telling Eddie that he cannot do anything

about Marco and Rodolfo. Alfieri tells Eddie that he cannot do

anything about Catherine falling in love with Rodolfo when he says ''

because there's nothing illegal about a girl falling in love with an

immigrant'', The word 'Illegal' tells us that Eddie doesn't want

Rodolfo and Catherine to be together and wants to get rid of him.

Eddie also tries to convince Alfieri that Rodolfo is a Homosexual

''He's a blonde guy. Like…..Platinum. You know what I mean?'' He is

trying to tell Alfieri that Rodolfo is only after the paperwork and

nothing besides that. When Alfieri quotes ''Wish her luck, and let her

go'' he is telling Eddie that it is about time he lets her go and that

he cannot look after her all his life.

''But Eddie, she's a woman now'' Alfieri is telling Eddie that

Catherine can look after herself and can make her own decisions, but

just then Eddie quotes ''He's stealing from me'' Eddie admits that he

has too much love for Catherine and that he cannot let her go and to

him Rodolfo is stealing her away from him. ''This is my last word,

Eddie, take it or not, that's your business. Morally and legally you

have no rights, you cannot stop it; she's a free agent'' Alfieri is

telling Eddie that he cannot stop his niece's wedding because it is

completely legal and he has no rights to do this.

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