A View From the Bridge by J.B. Priestley

A View From the Bridge by J.B. Priestley

The relationship between Eddie and Catherine is very tight. Although

Eddie is not Catherine's father, he is a very strong father figure to

her and the man of the house. Eddie is very protective of Catherine in

both positive and negative ways. "I took out of my own mouth to give

to her; I took out of my own mouth." Eddie really loves and cares for

Catherine, and will do anything to protect and look after her, but his

love for her is obsessive and possessive.

Catherine is old enough to go out to work, and to attract the

attention of the young men as she walks down the streets. Eddie is not

happy with this. This is shown when Eddie says "Listen, you been

givin' me the willies the way you walk down the streets I mean it?" I

think this quote suggests that Eddie wants to keep Catherine to

himself. He does not realise that she is old enough to go her way.

Eddie still treat's Catherine like a baby. This is shown when Eddie

says, " Katie, I promised your mother on her deathbed. I'm responsible

for you. You're a baby, you don't understand these things. I mean like

when you stand here by the window, wavin' outside." This quote tells

us that Eddie see's Catherine in an innocent way as well as in a

sexual way.

I personally think Eddie does not wish to loose control of Catherine.

Eddie believes Catherine to have a better life. He doesn't want

Catherine to work near the Dock as a plumber etc… He wants Catherine

to work in a better quality area example: Offices but at the same

time, he wants her at home.

This is revealed when Eddie says " Near the navy yard plenty can

happen in a block and a half. And a plumbing company! That's one step

over the water front. They're practically longshoreman." And than he

goes on further saying " Listen B, she'll be with a lotta plumbers?

And sailors up and down the street?