In what ways does Miller present masculinity in A View From the Bridge?
Right from the start of Miller’s play it is clear to the reader that the theme of masculinity is certainly a central one. The ‘traits of masculinity’ were central to the behavior and actions of a 1950’s man in New York City. This is especially evident with Eddie, as throughout the play we see masculinity as the driving force behind his violent and volatile behavior. Masculinity is shown to have an essential influence on the “bloody course” of the play because of each man’s desire to keep their honour and pride and prove to themselves and others that they are consistent with the archetypes of a 1950’s man.
Straight from the outset of Miller’s tragedy the audience are …show more content…
The strong proud and masculine character of Eddie clashes head on with the Feminine and fragile persona of Rodolpho. Eddie learns of Rodolpho’s singing and is taken aback by yet another feminine feature of Rodolpho. Eddie believes the singing to be something that a man would not partake with, "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”, Eddie believes once again that Rodolphos behaviour is consistent with that of a 1950’s woman in New York as his behaviour is against the status quo of masculinity in the 1950’s .Rodolpho’s traits as a man are directly against what Eddie thinks make a man and this clash is evident with Eddie thinking he is therefore dominant over Rodolpho and mocking Rodolpho about his masculinity or lack thereof, Eddie is convinced that because Rodolpho doesn’t share the same masculine values as him he is both physically and mentally weaker than he is. Eddie often mocks his physical strength this is evident when he exclaims “If you close the paper fast, you could blow him over” in this phrase Eddie is not only mocking him on his physical strength or lack thereof, but indirectly his sexual orientation. However although we …show more content…
Marco becomes vexed at Eddie and “spits into Eddie’s face” an act which conjures deep disrespect and severely insults Eddie’s pride. The idea of a violent confrontation between the two men goes from a likely occurrence to an imminent reality after this scene. Inevitably the conflict escalates into a violent scuffle between the two men, Marco lands the initial blow and “Strikes Eddie beside the neck” and Eddie “goes down with the blow” using this fight scene Miller plunges the play into a tense and violent atmosphere. Miller once again twists the play into a potentially fatal course when Eddie “springs a knife into his hand” this line quickly paralyses the audience in a sense of shock and worry about the onslaught that is about to take place. Eddie demands his pride to be restored, he demands Marco to apologise about what he said, but to no avail. In one final murderous frenzy Eddie “Lunges with the knife” But in one final snap change of events “Marco grabs his arm, turning the blade inward and pressing it home” The murder of Eddie comes as a shock but however it demonstrates the sheer length that each man will go to prove that they are the dominant male.
The memorable ending of the play resonates powerfully with the theme of masculinity. In one final clash of characters Eddie and Marco both
Right from the start of Miller’s play it is clear to the reader that the theme of masculinity is certainly a central one. The ‘traits of masculinity’ were central to the behavior and actions of a 1950’s man in New York City. This is especially evident with Eddie, as throughout the play we see masculinity as the driving force behind his violent and volatile behavior. Masculinity is shown to have an essential influence on the “bloody course” of the play because of each man’s desire to keep their honour and pride and prove to themselves and others that they are consistent with the archetypes of a 1950’s man.
Straight from the outset of Miller’s tragedy the audience are …show more content…
The strong proud and masculine character of Eddie clashes head on with the Feminine and fragile persona of Rodolpho. Eddie learns of Rodolpho’s singing and is taken aback by yet another feminine feature of Rodolpho. Eddie believes the singing to be something that a man would not partake with, "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”, Eddie believes once again that Rodolphos behaviour is consistent with that of a 1950’s woman in New York as his behaviour is against the status quo of masculinity in the 1950’s .Rodolpho’s traits as a man are directly against what Eddie thinks make a man and this clash is evident with Eddie thinking he is therefore dominant over Rodolpho and mocking Rodolpho about his masculinity or lack thereof, Eddie is convinced that because Rodolpho doesn’t share the same masculine values as him he is both physically and mentally weaker than he is. Eddie often mocks his physical strength this is evident when he exclaims “If you close the paper fast, you could blow him over” in this phrase Eddie is not only mocking him on his physical strength or lack thereof, but indirectly his sexual orientation. However although we …show more content…
Marco becomes vexed at Eddie and “spits into Eddie’s face” an act which conjures deep disrespect and severely insults Eddie’s pride. The idea of a violent confrontation between the two men goes from a likely occurrence to an imminent reality after this scene. Inevitably the conflict escalates into a violent scuffle between the two men, Marco lands the initial blow and “Strikes Eddie beside the neck” and Eddie “goes down with the blow” using this fight scene Miller plunges the play into a tense and violent atmosphere. Miller once again twists the play into a potentially fatal course when Eddie “springs a knife into his hand” this line quickly paralyses the audience in a sense of shock and worry about the onslaught that is about to take place. Eddie demands his pride to be restored, he demands Marco to apologise about what he said, but to no avail. In one final murderous frenzy Eddie “Lunges with the knife” But in one final snap change of events “Marco grabs his arm, turning the blade inward and pressing it home” The murder of Eddie comes as a shock but however it demonstrates the sheer length that each man will go to prove that they are the dominant male.
The memorable ending of the play resonates powerfully with the theme of masculinity. In one final clash of characters Eddie and Marco both