How does symbolism enhance the drama in A View From The Bridge?

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How does symbolism enhance the drama in A View From The Bridge?

Symbolism is a physical object or reference used to provide meaning to a piece of writing. Symbolism enhances the drama in A View From The Bridge because it increases the tension between the characters, as well as highlights key themes. Symbolism is a very important element as it enhances the plot. There are a large amount of symbols that create tension such as: high heels, the chair, the knife, the cigar, the paper doll and homosexuality.

When Catherine wears high heels, this represents Catherine changes from girl to woman and showing her sexual awareness. She has just recently started wearing high heels around the community, and she likes the attention she is getting from the men. They are an easy sign to noticing a woman as they make her a lot taller and look much older. Eddie disapproves of her wearing them as he has grown up with her being his little girl and he can’t accept the fact that she is growing up and trying new things. He is also “With them new high heels on the sidewalk – clack, clack, clack. The heads are turnin' like windmills.” This quote proves how Catherine has got their attention and will keep looking good in front of the males. Catherine purposefully rebels against her uncle every time when she puts them on. Catherine feels that the heels give her sexual power over men as the stare at her a lot as she looks pretty. Eddie thinks the heels are changing her in a way that he doesn’t like, and this angers him. Eddie’s big problem is the Catherine is more exposed to the real world and she will experience more and more opportunities with men, which she wants to do, but Eddie doesn’t.

Secondly, a key moment in the play is when Marco ...

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...hing to do with Eddie, and because Eddie keeps poking through and trying to get involved, Marco has to put an end to it.

Another important symbol in the play is the telephone booth. This is an important symbol as it marks a turning point in the play as Eddie has reported Marco and Rodolpho to the immigration bureau. ‘A phone booth begins to glow at the opposite side of the stage.’ The use of the word ‘glow’ indicates Eddie is a traitor and this is why the community has lost respect for him.

Symbolism plays a huge part in creating tension in the play; it is one of the most important factors. Catherine’s high heels looking mature, Marco challenging Eddie in a chair lifting competition for the power, and Eddie kissing both Catherine and Rodolpho to prove his power; these are all important incidences that enhance the drama in A View From The Bridge.

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