A View From The Bridge by Arthur Miller

A View From The Bridge by Arthur Miller

Although the theme of betrayal and controversy is touched upon

throughout the play, these subjects are particularly emphasized in Act

2. This, and the fact that the events that occur are catalytic to

future developments in the play make this act one of great importance.

Miller makes use of dynamics to allow the potential for immense drama

and explosive consequences. He creates a powerful cocktail by placing

the three strongest characters together in one room to vent their

emotion, allowing issues of homosexuality and the collapse of a family

to be unveiled. The three characters opinions contrast greatly,

revealing repressed and somewhat unpalatable feelings. The foregoing

drama acts as a build-up to the ultimate "explosion", which is the

kissing scene between Eddie and Rodolfo. This marks the acuteness of

Eddie's views, and perhaps is also an indication that he has become

insane.

In order to emphasize the emotionally charged nature of this act, the

effects of music, lighting, and of course stage direction must be

considered.

Each emotion has to be shown clearly, as the characters are at the

peak of their roles, where their true natures and personalities are

revealed to the audience.

In this act, Catherine breaks free of her role as "the child", telling

Rodolfo, "I'm not a baby, I know a lot more than people think I know."

Intonation could indicate this change of image, her tone of voice with

Rodolfo being stern and defiant, contrasting with her previous

subordinate nature. She is also quite frustrated, as she is finally

expressing feelings that have been repressed for so long. ...

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... scene in particular, the more bigoted

attitude that manifested itself in the society of the '40s would make

this scene enough to envelop its audience in a stunned and somewhat

disturbed silence.

Issues which seem normal now would have been a taboo in earlier

cultures, for example that of homosexuality. This factor has been made

a part of everyday life, but only recently has this been let in to

society. Another issue that would add to the shock value of this scene

was that of the Carbone's Catholicism contrasting with the upsetting

matters taking place in their household. The issues of homosexuality,

plus those of adultery and betrayal would be unheard of in 1940.

Miller's aim was to make these matters known, and he did this by

thrusting them in the faces of his audience in the form of a dramatic

scene in a play.