Examine the Ideas of Manliness, Hostility and Aggression in ‘a View from the Bridge’
Arthur Miller’s play “A View from the Bridge” explores main themes such as manliness, hostility and aggression. These three elements lead to the downfall of the Carbone along with their cousins Marco and Rodolpho “illegal immigrants” from Italy. Ultimately it is Eddie Carbone’s opinions of how Rodolpho, Catherine, Beatrice and Marco should act and his ideals of “respect” and the importance of a “name” that lead to his demise.
Eddie Carbone has very strong views on the characteristics men should have. He believes that men should be strong, the person who provides for the family and cares for them. Eddie also feels that men should protect their family and tell them when they are out of line, he likes to feel in control of the family even when he isn’t, and one example of this is when Eddie says to Catherine: "what's the heels for?.” Eddie also will not assist Catherine or Beatrice when it comes to any female duties that are ‘unmanly.’ His view of this is clearly visible in his hate for Rodolpho, who he thinks had impure intentions for Catherine and is only marrying her for a citizenship. Eddie's protectiveness and ownership of Catherine and hatred for Rodolpho in his eyes are viewed as manly qualities.
Ever since Rodolpho arrives in America Eddie shows hostility towards him. In Eddie’s eyes, Rodolpho does not have the image of what makes a real man. Throughout the play Eddie picks at the fact that Rodolpho cooks, sings, is weak at fighting, and makes dresses. He also makes comments about Rodolpho’s blonde hair. All these traits in Eddie’s eyes are of a typical woman or even homosexual. In the play it says “Eddie pins his arms, laughing, and suddenly kisses him” this seems to be a test to see is Rodolpho is really attracted to guys. Another incident Eddie tries to make Rodolpho look weak is when Eddie tries to teach Rodolpho, in this scene he is also displaying a lot of aggression towards Rodolpho making him feel uncomfortable. Marco then steps in after this
Eddie Carbone has very strong views on the characteristics men should have. He believes that men should be strong, the person who provides for the family and cares for them. Eddie also feels that men should protect their family and tell them when they are out of line, he likes to feel in control of the family even when he isn’t, and one example of this is when Eddie says to Catherine: "what's the heels for?.” Eddie also will not assist Catherine or Beatrice when it comes to any female duties that are ‘unmanly.’ His view of this is clearly visible in his hate for Rodolpho, who he thinks had impure intentions for Catherine and is only marrying her for a citizenship. Eddie's protectiveness and ownership of Catherine and hatred for Rodolpho in his eyes are viewed as manly qualities.
Ever since Rodolpho arrives in America Eddie shows hostility towards him. In Eddie’s eyes, Rodolpho does not have the image of what makes a real man. Throughout the play Eddie picks at the fact that Rodolpho cooks, sings, is weak at fighting, and makes dresses. He also makes comments about Rodolpho’s blonde hair. All these traits in Eddie’s eyes are of a typical woman or even homosexual. In the play it says “Eddie pins his arms, laughing, and suddenly kisses him” this seems to be a test to see is Rodolpho is really attracted to guys. Another incident Eddie tries to make Rodolpho look weak is when Eddie tries to teach Rodolpho, in this scene he is also displaying a lot of aggression towards Rodolpho making him feel uncomfortable. Marco then steps in after this