How I Would Direct A View From The Bridge :: Drama

How I Would Direct A View From The BridgeIn this essay, I will explain how Arthur miller creates tension andsuspense in A View From The Bridge by explaining the dramaticdevices, props, characters etc.In A View From The Bridge, Arthur Miller employs various techniquesto generate dramatic tension and to try for the audiences interest. Theplaywright uses the setting, characters, stage directions, props,lighting, language, and setting as the main sources of drama.The characters are a vital element in the play, and are the basis ofthe drama. Eddie is portrayed as a well respected, hard working,ordinary man. He is dedicated to his family and is presented as anamiable character.He was as good a man as he had to be in a life that was hard andeven. Alfieri explains this at the beginning of the play, and thisemphasises that Eddie is an honourable, decent person. However, assoon as a catalyst (in the form of the cousins) is introduced, another spot to Eddie is revealed, and his true feelings for Catherineexposed.What are the high heels for Garbo? Eddie says this to Catherine, infront of the cousins, to deliberately humiliate her. Eddie seesCatherines attentiveness towards Rodolfo and becomes jealous. Thissexual jealousy grows throughout the play and the audience realizethat what did come out like over-protectiveness is in fact romanticobsession and unlawful love for Catherine. This disgusts the audienceand so they begin to turn against Eddie. Eddies attachment toCatherine is his flaw. His demise is the consequence of this weakness.Eddies circumstances becomes inevitable and predictable when his inability tocompromise and the true extent of his fixation with Catherine becomesapparent.His eyes were like tunnels. Alfieri says this to describe Eddie. Itsuggests that Eddie has tunnel vision, and can only focus on one thing- Catherine. This is evident when Eddie calls Immigration to snitchon Marco and Rodolfo. It highlights Eddies desperation and loss ofrational thinking as he acts on the contrary of his own well-setbeliefs, which he outlined at the beginning of the play with theconsequences of Vinnie Banzalos betrayal.The characters are all involved in very tangled relationships.Beatrice is jealous of Eddies love for Catherine.When am I gonna be a wife again Eddie? She is very frustrated withher husband, but he will not face the reality of the situation. Eddieexpects Beatrice to support him, as wives were sibyllic at that time.So when Beatrice defends Catherine, Eddie cannot understand why hiswife is deliberately defying him as he believes he is being perfectlyreasonable.Eddie insinuates that Rodolfo is homosexual due to his apparent