‘A View from the Bridge’ by Arthur Miller
Critical Essay
Question
Choose a play in which a central character experiences not only inner conflict but also conflict with
one (or more than one) other character.
Explain the nature of both conflicts and discuss which one you consider to be more important in terms
of character development and/or dramatic impact.
(SQA Higher English 2010)
Introduction
Always use the following pattern –
T.A.R.T (Title, Author, Refer to question, Techniques/Themes)

Mention the Title of the play

The Author (in this case the playwright)

Refer to the question, using the exact wording where necessary, to explain
what your essay will be exploring

Specify any particular techniques or themes which you will be examining in
your essay.
REMEMBER – make it clear from the start how you intend to answer the question. Leave
your marker in no doubt that you understand the question and how it is relevant to your text.
Paragraph 2 – Brief Summary
Summarise the main plot of the play. Important points to mention:

Eddie, as the main character, fills the role of the tragic hero

He wrestles with his feelings for his niece, Catherine

Respect and honour are hugely important to him and his community

The conflict which arises between himself and Rodolpho due to his
relationship with Catherine

Eddie commits the ultimate “crime” in reporting to immigration

Marco’s need for justice which leads inevitably to Eddie’s death
Paragraphs 3 onwards – Analysing & Answering
The main body of the essay deals with putting forward individual points related to the
question and exploring them in detail in order to give a clear and thorough answer to the
task.
You should make use of PEE when constructing each paragraph.
MAIN BODY – PEE STRUCTURE
Point: The idea/aspect of character/theme that you are going to explore in this paragraph.
Evidence: Choose an appropriate quotation to support your point, remembering to put it in context.
Explanation: Analyse your point and evidence by explaining
a) What does it show/suggest?
b) Why has it been used? Has a technique been employed by the writer?
c) What impact does it have on the rest of the play and on you as the audience? Remember, the
question asks you to also think about which conflict is more important to the development of the
character and you should include this in your explanation.
Points for Analysis

Eddie is conflicted over his feelings towards Catherine
Start of the play he appears over-protective and unable to let her live her life.

Conflict between himself and Rodolpho as his relationship with Catherine develops

His inner conflicted feelings have had an effect on his marriage to Beatrice

Eddie believes Rodolpho is “not right” and seeks help from the law (Alfieri). His
conflicted feelings are clear for Alfieri and he questions his motives.

Conflict becomes physical as Eddie boxes with Rodolpho. This in turn sees a new
conflict arise when Marco challenges Eddie in the chair-lifting competition. (The
climax of the first Act is filled with tension)

The key scene where Eddie kisses Catherine and Rodolpho. The conflict between all
three of these characters (and indeed Eddie’s inner conflict) has spilled over. Even
Catherine becomes physically aggressive towards Eddie.

The inner conflict of Eddie and the theme of honour as he, ironically, goes against his
own beliefs and reports the cousins to immigration. Link back to the Vinny Bolzano
story earlier in the play.

The heightened conflict between Eddie and Marco as he spits in Eddie’s face while
being arrested. The community turn their backs on Eddie.

Eddie’s inner conflict means he is unable to back down. He refuses to attend the
wedding and orders Beatrice to stay at home.

The final dramatic conflict at the end of the play when Eddie and Marco fight. Eddie
is killed by his own knife, symbolic of the fact that he created his own misfortune.
Conclusion
In your conclusion you should sum up your essay by following a similar structure to your
introduction –
T.A.R.T.Y (Title, Author, Refer to Question, Techniques/Themes, Your Opinion)

Follow the TART structure exactly as before (see introduction)

Include your own opinion in relation to the question. In this case, how
important do you personally think the theme of conflict was in the overall
development of Eddie’s character? Which had the greater effect? His inner
conflict or emotions? His physical conflict with Rodolpho and Marco? Which
has the greater knock-on effect to his life and which contributed the most to
his inevitable death?
REMEMBER – Avoid the common clichés like “I really enjoyed this play” or “I think
the play and the character of Eddie were really good”. Your conclusion must round off
your essay by linking it back to the original question.