A View From The Bridge Arthur Miller Respect

A View From The Bridge Arthur Miller

Respect & Masculinity • During the 1950’s, respect was looked upon as highly important by communities. • Throughout the play the male characters are in constant competition with one another to be the “alpha male” and assert their dominance.

Eddie • At the beginning Catherine runs about after Eddie making sure all needs are seen to. “Here! I’ll light it for you!” This is something a wife would usually do for their husband. This asserts Eddies dominance in the household and also shows Catherine’s respect for him.

Eddie • Eddie thinks that respect is Important, on page 68 Eddie is in a rage with Marco after being disrespected and states “I want my respect. ” He then goes on to say “He’s gonna take that back or I’ll kill him!”

Marco • Marco shows his masculinity by challenging Eddie at lifting a chair. • After Eddie attempts to lift the chair he makes up excuses such as “Gee, that’s hard. ” & “It’s on an angle, that’s why, heh? ”

Rodolpho • Eddie makes Rodolpho out to be feminine as he possesses skills that Eddie feels a man shouldn’t have as “he makes a new dress. ” for Catherine. • “If you came in the house and you didn’t know who was singin’, you wouldn’t be lookin for him you be lookin’ for her. ”

Rodolpho • Rodolpho is made to look less masculine as he doesn’t have a family to provide for so he spends his money on “A snappy new jacket… records, a pointy pair new shoes…”

Eddie • Eddie feels disrespected as his role of being a father figure to Catherine has been undermined by Rodolpho as he hasn’t asked permission. “Katie… if you wasn’t an orphan, wouldn’t he ask your fathers permission before he run around with you like this? ”

Beatrice • Beatrice realises the Eddie looks after Catherine too much. She tells her “Don’t tell me you don’t know; you’re not a baby any more”

Eddie • Due to the lack of respect he has been shown by the cousins he begins to act out of character