SECTION TWO-PAGE 15-22
Summary
Alfieri opens the section with a description of Eddie, describing him as a
basic man, who works and lives. Towards the end of Alfieri's lines, he says
that Beatrice’s cousins came. The cousins, Marco and Rodolfo, are escorted
to the house and then told they're being left on their own now. When they
arrive Eddie, Beatrice and Catherine are very keen to make their guests feel
welcome, almost immediately offering coffee. They then talk around the table
about their trip getting there, and the subject of work. They also explain the
work they did back in their home, Italy, and how they earned money by
pushing taxi's up the hill. Eddie then changed the subject to future plans and
family. Marco, to Beatrice’s surprise has three children; age four, five and
six and he says the money he earns here, will be sent off to his wife and
family.
Rodolfo goes onto explain about his love and experiences of singing. He then
sings for Eddie, etc. and Eddie stops him in fear that neighbours will report
the illegal immigrants. Eddie makes Catherine angry by addressing the fact
that she’s wearing heels. The section ends with Alfieri, hinting at future
events and Eddie's destiny.
Key events
Rodolfo and Marco arrive at Eddie and Beatrice’s house around 10 O'clock
in the evening, when it is dark.
Marco and Rodolfo have work in the piers and discuss it with Eddie; such as
money, hours etc.
Marco and Rodolfo tell Eddie, Beatrice and Catherine about the work they
used to do in Italy
Eddie changes the conversation to future plans, and Rodolfo shares his
passion for music. He sings loudly and Eddie makes him be quiet so the
neighbours don’t suspect anything.
Catherine likes Rodolfo, sparking Eddie to become very suspicious about
Rodolfo.
Super quotations
act 1, page 15, Alfieri
“and towards ten o'clock of that night'
This quotation shows that the cousins are arriving at night time, so nobody sees them and
reports them. This also gives the impression that the fact they're there, may cause problems.
Act 1, page 16, Marco's stage direction
“removing their caps”
Marco and Rodolfo remove their caps without being told. This shows at the beginning of the
play, the two have respect for the others e.g. Eddie, Beatrice and Catherine.
Act 1, page 16, Marco's stage direction
“a certain formal stiffness to Eddie”
Eddie and Marco are both males who like domination over others. This initial body language
suggests that something will happen in the play. The fact that it is 'formal' also suggests that at
this point, it can be controlled.
Act 1, page 17, Rodolfo's stage direction
“smiling at the smallness of his town”
Rodolfo laughs about his previous life in Italy. He laughs about it like he doesn't care as he
believes he doesn't have to go back. This shows his plans are to stay in America for the rest of
his life.
Act 1,page 17, Marco's stage direction
“shrugging shyly, even embarrassed”
Marco responds differently to Rodolfo as he has acknowledged how bad the situation is in Italy,
but he knows he has to go back. This shows that his plans, although he loves America, revolve
around his family. The use of the adverb 'shyly' shows how he is backing out of the situation
and doesn't feel powerful.
Act 1, page 17, Rodolfo's stage direction
“laughing” and “ready to laugh”
These show that Rodolfo has a sense of humour but this could mean he doesn't take anything
seriously. This may cause his trust to be questioned in the play.
Act 1, page 19, Marco's line
“they eat the sunshine”
Marco is describing the poverty back in Italy. The writer uses the metaphor to illustrate the
extent of the situation.
Act 1, page 21, Eddie's line
“what’s the heels for, Garbo?”
Eddie is trying to control Catherine, and asserts her with dominance. She is old enough to make
her own decisions but he still wants to control her. Control is very important to Eddie.
Act 1, page 21, Catherine's stage direction
“embarrassed, now angered”
Eddie has made Catherine feel uncomfortable and embarrassed. This is the first time the reader
starts to see Catherine and Eddie's relationship begin to crack.
Act 1, page 22, Eddie's stage direction
“sizing up Rodolfo, and there is a concealed suspicion”
As the conversation progressed, Eddie notices Catherine and Rodolfo like each other and
immediately becomes suspicious. We also see that Eddie might start to feel threatened.
Themes
Love and family
Marco cares and loves his family back in Italy. We know this because he immediately wants to
send his first wages back to Italy.
Quotations
“because I could send them a little more if I stay here”
He is saying that if he stays in Eddie's house, he can send a larger amount of money home.
Shows that he cares about his wife and children and will do what he can to make their lives
better.
“the older one is sick in his chest”
Marco is concerned for the eldest of his three children and wants his to be better. He thinks that
money may help.
Father/daughter love
In the beginning of the scene, Eddie shows a father figure over Catherine, but when he questions
her about wearing high heels, their relationship begins to fall apart.
Quotations
“hows the coffee doin'?”
This is where Eddie has control and is able to ask her to do things without her questioning him
back or complaining.
“Whats the high heels for, Garbo?”
This is where they begin to disagree but he still tries to keep her under control.
Romantic love
There is romantic love between Rodolfo and Catherine near the end of the scene. This is the
beginning of their relationship.
Quotation
“especially when they are so beautiful”
Catherine is complimented by Rodolfo, which Eddie doesn't seem to respond to very well.
Family
The family is important as they're willing to have illegal immigrants in their home and risk getting
arrested.
Quotation
“come on in”
They are freely welcoming them into their home without hesitating.
Human behaviour
There is human behavior wich doesnt stereotypically fit in, when Rodofo doesnt act masculine as
he sings.
Quotation
“oh I sing Napolidan, jazz, belcanto”
Rodolfo likes singing which is seen as very feminine.
Fate
Alfieri touches upon fate when he is talking about the destiny of Eddie. This means there may be
something happening to Eddie later on in the play.
Quotation
“Eddie Carbone had never expected to have a destiny.”
A View from the Bridge -
pages 22-31
REVISION NOTES
Summary
Eddie doesn't want Catherine to go out with Rodolfo because he thinks he is only
after his papers to be a British citizen because he is an immigrant but
Beatrice tells her to do what she wants because Eddie isn't her dad and he
wouldn't be happy if she bought a prince.
Key points
in the book the main points/events are:
− Catherine wants to go out with Rodolfo
− Eddie doesn't want Catherine to go out with Rodolfo
− Beatrice tells Catherine to do what SHE wants
− Eddie wouldn't be happy no matter what.
Themes
how are the main themes present in your scene?
Love
Romantic/married love- Eddie feels that nobody is good enough for Catherine and
that he is the best possible choice for her. Eddie starts to feel lust and
compassion for Catherine. 'don't break my heart'-Eddie
page 28
Family
Catherine is loyal to Eddie and so, she doesn’t want to hurt him.'he looks so
sad now and it hurts me' Catherine, page 30
Beatrice tries to reassure Catherine, by telling her that she is old enough to
make her own mistakes and to do what she wants. 'he can't give orders no more'Beatrice, page 29
Eddie is jealous of Catherine and Rodolfo. 'your just jealous' Beatrice, page 23
Justice and law
Eddie tells Catherine that Rodolfo is just using her so that he can get his
papers and passport to become and American Citizen. 'he's only bowin' to his
passport'-Eddie, page 28
Quotations
Eddie- “I ain't starting nothing, but I ain't gonna stand around looking at
that” page 23 , he isn't happy with what is happening between Rodolfo and
Catherine.
Eddie- “I got nothing to say about it” page 24, he is keeping what is wrong to
himself.
Beatrice- “If you act like a baby and he be treatin' you like one” page 30,
she shows Catherine what to do about Eddie.
Beatrice- “He's a nice kid” page 22, Beatrice thinks Rodolfo is a nice guy.
Eddie- “he gives me the heeby-geebies” page 23, Eddie dislikes Rodolfo
Beatrice- “your just jealous” page 23, Beatrice thinks that Eddie is jealous
of Rodolfo.
Eddie- “I'm worried about her” page 24, Eddie cares for Catherine and is
worried about her happiness.
Catherine- “He blesses you and you don't talk to him hardly” page 27,
Catherine explains to Eddie that Rodolfo like and respects him but Eddie just
ignores him.
Eddie- “ And with that wacky hair; he's like a chorus girl or sump'm” page
23, Eddie doesn't like Rodolfo.
Eddie- “ I'll be all right, B; just lay off me, will ya? I'm worried about
her” page 24, Eddie is worried about Catherine.
Eddie- “ He don't respect you” page 27, Eddie is worried that Rodolfo doesn't
respect Catherine.
Eddie- “ He knows I mind, but it don't bother him if I mind, don't you see
that? Page 28, Eddie is annoyed that Rodolfo knows he doesn't like him going
around with Catherine and he thinks Rodolfo is doing it to annoy him.
Catherine- “ He loves me!” page 28, Catherine is telling Eddie that Rodolfo
loves her.
Eddie- “ Don't say that, for God's sake!” page 28, Eddie doesn't like
Catherine telling him that Rodolfo loves her.
Eddie- “ He's only bowin' to his passport” page 28, Eddie explains to
Catherine that Rodolfo is only using Catherine so that he can marry her and then
he is entitled to become an American citizen. Eddie thinks that Rodolfo will
only divorce Catherine once he has his papers and the right to become a free
man.
Eddie- “ Don't break my heart” page 28, Eddie is being selfish about Rodolfo
and Catherine wanting to be together, it is nothing to do with Eddie as
Catherine is an adult.
Beatrice- “ if it was a prince came here for you it would be no different”
page 29, Beatrice explains to Catherine that she thinks that Eddie thinks that
nobody is good enough for her.
Beatrice- “ He can't give orders no more” page 29, Beatrice tells Catherine
that she is an adult and that Eddie cant tell her what to do with her life and
that she should do what she wants.
Catherine- 2 He's looks so sad now and it hurts me” page 30, Catherine explains
to Beatrice that it hurts her to see Eddie upset.
Pg 31-35
Summary:
Eddie goes to visit Alfieri the lawyer. He comes in frustrated and wide eyed like a criminal
(warning signs). He expresses his thoughts and feelings through frustration. He explains to Alfieri
that Rodolfo isn’t right in the sense that he’s: blond, he sings, he makes dresses and he he’s
like an angel. Eddie explains that he has worked hard his whole life for his niece and wanted
something, someone better for her. He describes Rodolfo as a punk and asks Alfieri what laws
there are for guys like him that only want to marry for their papers. Alfieri tells him he
understands what he fells like when it comes to children but he works on proof and the only law
is the manor in which they entered the country, he gives Eddie the advice that he should let her
go and wish he luck. Eddie leaves disappointed.
Key events:
1. Eddie shows the full extent of his anger for Rodolfo
2. Eddie gets told there’s nothing he can do by Alfieri
3. Eddie cries
Quotations:
1. “His eyes were like tunnels”.
This quotation is a metaphor and it describes the character in an angry way and that you can
see right threw him.
2. “Passion that moved into his body like a stranger”.
The passion is the love he has for his niece Catherine but it’s a misplaced love. Alfieri is not
used to Eddie showing so much of himself i.e. emotions and he fells like Eddie is a stranger and
he doesn’t know what to do or say.
3. “Nothing illegal about falling in love with and immigrant”.
This shows that Eddie is worrying about nothing. Eddie believes that the whole Catherine and
Rodolfo situation is serious but Alfieri puts him straight and tells him there’s nothing he can do.
4. “He’s laughing at her and he’s laughing at me”
This quotation shows that eddies paranoid and he’s jealous of Rodolfo.
5. “I know what’s in his mind”
The writing is in italics because it shows that he’s shouting. It also shows that he believes
everything that he believes is true and that he knows it all.
6. “(takes a breathe and glance briefly over each shoulder)”.
It shows that he’s on edge he’s not stable and he’s paranoid of being listened in on.
7. “With a fuller flow of indignation”.
This quotation means that he’s getting angry and frustrated.
8. “How they entered the country”.
Alfieri is saying that basically the only way of getting rid of the two brothers is shopping them in
to the feds. But he knows that Eddie won’t break his own code of honour.
Themes:
law and justice
1. “Im only a lawyer Eddie”.
Alfieri is saying the law can’t do anything about Eddie’s problem.
2. “You have no recourse in the law Eddie”.
This quotation means that Eddie thinks that he is the law and what he says goes but it
doesn’t.
3. “There’s nothing you can do Eddie trust me”.
Eddie doesn’t have any say in what he wants to do.
Codes of honour
1. “Oh Jesus no I wouldn’t do that” Eddie would never shop in anyone to the
immigration police because it’s a self in placed law for him.
Family
1. “Every man has somebody to love like kids, sometimes there is to much love”.
Eddie doesn’t want to let Catherine go. He loves her like she is his own.
2. “Wish her luck and let her go”.
Eddie needs to let go of his niece but he can’t because he wants the best for her.
A View from the Bridge
Pages 35-42
Summary:
Eddie goes to see Alfieri wanting the law to step in to stop Catherine marrying Rodolpho. He
claims that Rodolpho is only doing it to gain a US passport, and that Rodolpho is homosexual.
Eddie is amazed when Alfieri explains that no law can prevent the marriage. Alfieri hints that
perhaps Eddie loves Catherine to much (over and beyond the caring, uncle-niece love which
could be expected), to which Eddie reacts angrily.
There is tension in the air when we next see Eddie, Beatrice, Catherine, Marco and Rodolpho at
home together. Eddie makes barbed comments, implying that Rodolpho is too friendly with
Catherine and too casual with his money. He pretends to admire the fact that Rodolpho can
cook, sew and sing, before that is wrong for someone with those skills to work at the docks. He
offers to treat Rodolpho to box. This is clearly just an excuse to punch Rodolpho, but Rodolpho
takes it good humouredly. Catherine shows that she is more interested in Rodolpho's safety than
Eddies. Marco shows off his own strength to Eddie by lifting a chair by its leg with one hand – a
feat that Eddie cannot match.
Plot:
The Carbone family – Eddie, his wife Beatrice and her orphaned niece Catherine – are poor but
content. They live in Brooklyn, where Eddie works at the shipyards.
When Beatrice's Italian cousins, illegal immigrants, arrive to stay, the Carbone family's life
changes forever. Their loves and their loyalties are tested – and tragedy results.
Key Events:
− Eddie goes to see Rodolpho, wanting the law to step in to stop Catherine marrying
Rodolpho.
− Marco teaches Rodolpho to box, this clearly just an excuse to punch Rodolpho, but
Rodolpho takes it good humouredly.
− Marco shows off his own strength to Eddie, by lifting a chair by its leg with one hand – a
feat Eddie cannot match.
Themes:
In a view from the bridge, the central themes are love, justice and the law and codes of honour.
Together, they help us to learn about the characters and understand why they act as they do.
Love of a family:
Beatrice, Eddie and Catherine are first seen as a loving family. Marco loves his family deeply, he
has come to America to help them. He misses them a lot. In the wider sense, Beatrice loves her
family in Sicily enough to support her cousins. Family ties are very important.
Betrayal:
Eddie feels betrayal by Catherine because Catherine dances with Rodolpho.
“She has taken his hand and he stiffly rises, feeling Eddies eyes on his back, and they dance”
“Catherine and Rodolpho continue dancing” (stage directions)
Eddie and Rodolpho fight because Eddie starts off as a joke and then actually punches him.
“Rodolpho, more seriously, jabs at Eddies jaw and grazes it” (stage directions) This shows that
he's getting more aggressive towards Eddie.
Quotations:
Marco: “From here (he gets on one knee with one hand behind his back, and grasps the bottom
of one of the chair legs but does not raise it).
Eddie: “Sure, why not? (he comes to the chair, kneels, grasps the leg, raises the chair one inch,
but it leans over to the floor). Gee, that's hard, I never knew that. (he tries again, and again,
fails) it's on an angle, that's why ey?”
Marco: “Here” (he kneels grasps, and with strain slowly raises the chair higher and higher
getting to his feet now. Rodolpho and Catherine have stopped dancing as Marco raises the chair
over his head)
This part of the story shows Marco showing off his own strength to Eddie.
“He has bent the rolled paper and it suddenly tears in two.” (stage directions) This shows that
Eddie and Marco dont get on. (gives the impression that...)
PAGES 43 – 48
Summary
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Catherine and Rodolfo are discussing marriage and whether it would be
better to live in America or Italy.
Catherine is worried about marrying Rodolfo as she doesn’t want to upset
Eddie.
They go into the bedroom...
Eddie comes in drunk, and when seeing Catherine come out of the bedroom,
he demands that Rodolfo leaves.
Eddie kisses Catherine.
Eddie and Rodolfo fight and Eddie kisses Rodolfo to prove he is gay.
Catherine says that she will leave with Rodolfo.
Key Events
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Catherine and Rodolfo discuss their marriage and Rodolfo promises he is
marrying Catherine because he loves her.
Eddie kisses Catherine
Eddie and Rodolfo fight
Eddie kisses Rodolfo
Catherine says she is leaving with Rodolfo
Quotations
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'He reaches out suddenly suddenly, draws her to him, and as she strives to
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free herself, he kisses her on the mouth.' PAGE 47
'Rodolfo flies at him in attack. Eddie pins his arms, laughing and
suddenly kisses him' PAGE 47
'I'm going with him Eddie' PAGE 48, CATHERINE
'Eddie, I'm not gonna be a baby any more!' PAGE 47, CATHERINE
'I want to be an American so I can work' PAGE 45, RODOLFO
'Her sobs of pity and love for him break her composure' PAGE 47
Themes
Love
− Love of a family
− Father/Daughter love
− Romantic/married love
Family
Justice and Law
Betrayal
Human behaviour
By Natalia, Molly and Eliza.
A View From The Bridge
(revision notes)
Summary:
− Eddie calls immigration to his house
− Beatrice and Eddie talk about letting Catherine grow up, and Catherine marriage to
Rodolfo
− Immigration arrive and Eddie tries to help Marco and Rodolfo escape, realising that it
would make Catherine really happy.
− Marco spits in Eddie's face, because he reported them to immigration.
− Eddie- “give me the number of the immigration Bureau.” page 50
To stop Catherine and Rodolfo from falling in love, Eddie wants to be rid of him and his friend
Marco. The only way that he can do this anomalously is to call immigration, as he can say that
somebody else found out about the immigrants.
− Beatrice- “you kept her a baby” page 52
Beatrice has realised that Eddie has more feelings for Catherine than he should do, so tries to
make Eddie see that it is wrong. By smothering Catherine with love and protection, she has no
experience in the real world. Eddie then uses this as an excuse for Catherine and Rodolfo not to
marry, she has seen no other men.
− First officer- “Immigration, open up” page 55
Immigration have arrived to find Marco and Rodolfo and take them away. It they get taken back
to where they are from then Catherine and Rodolfo wont be able to marry. This would be the
ideal solution for Eddie, however he is realising that she needs to grow up, he cant keep hold of
her forever, and Rodolfo makes her happy.
− Narration- “spits into Eddie's face” page 57
As Marco is being taken away, he realises that Eddie is the one that called immigration on them.
Only Eddie had something against them being there, so he disrespects Eddie by spitting in his
face. By spitting, is it like saying that they are worthless and dirty.
− Eddie- “get them out!” page 54
Eddie realises that Rodolfo makes Catherine happy and wants the best for her, even if it means
that he cant be the one to look after her. After speaking with Beatrice and Catherine about the
wedding he regrets calling immigration so tries to undo his mistake.
− Narration- “descending, with Marco, behind him Rodolfo” page 56
The immigration officers have found Rodolfo and Marco in the flat about them, so are taking
them away. Catherine is told that if they are ok then they shall return, however everyone
present knows that it wont happen.
− Beatrice- “oh, Jesus. Eddie” page 56
Beatrice realises that Eddie called immigration on Rodolfo and Marco and feels ashamed that she
is associated with him. She thought that they were doing a favour and had no or little problems
with them being there. Beatrice is shocked that her own husband would cause such pain and
upset for people that she thought he loved.
Themes:
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Love
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Justice and Law
Codes of honour
Betrayal
Fate
Human Behaviour
The themes of this play show the relationships within the family and others around them.
Love is shown between Eddie and Catherine though it is not the family love the Catherine thinks
it is. Eddie loves her as a partner. There is also love between Rodolfo and Catherine which is the
natural love you would expect to happen. Then there is the love of family between the likes of
Beatrice and Catherine.
Justice and Law is shown through the immigration of Rodolfo and Marco. Eddie separates
Catherine and Rodolfo, as he is jealous that Catherine will be happy with someone else apart
from him.
Codes of honour is shown in the family as respect. As the man of the house, Eddie is honoured
the most and given the most respect, Beatrice is next as she is the wife of Eddie. Catherine as
the child receives the least respect however as immigrants Rodolfo and Marco are treated as
strangers.
Betrayal is shown when Eddie calls immigration on Rodolfo and Marco. He betrayed Catherine
and took away her happiness, leaving her hurt, lonely and upset.
Last Section (Pages 58-64)
Summary
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Marco has been taken to Alfieri about the situation.
Marco and Rodofo have been caught by the Immigration officer about their illegal
immigration
Alfieri has let Marco out on bail until the hearing with a promise that nothing bad will
happen
Rodolfo is allowed to stay in America as he is to marry an American (Catherine)
Catherine tells Beatrice that the wedding is still on
Eddie is sat in his rocking chair when Beatrice and Catherine come from their bedrooms,
and Eddie forbids Beatrice to leave the house to see the wedding.
Catherine is mad at Eddie, Beatrice tells Eddie that he has to let Catherine go and that
she is no longer his fantasy.
Eddie gets angry, and Rodolfo walks into the scene to warn Eddie that Marco is coming.
Marco then walks in, where another argument takes place.
Louis rushes to Eddie, attempting to calm him.
Eddie brings out a knife, and goes to stab Marco
Marco twists Eddies arm and pushes the knife back into Eddie.
Eddie dies in Beatrice's arms.
Alfieri finishes the story.
Key Events
• Marco is let out on bail for the wedding before his hearing.
“I will believe your promise, now what do you say?”
Rhetorical question
Putting his trust into Marco
• Rodolfo is told he can stay in America when he is married to Catherine.
“When she marries him, he can start to become an American”
Comma, suggesting that Alfieri does not want this process to happen as Rodolfo is an illegal
immigrant.
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Marco wants Eddie to apologise.
“slight pause, maybe he wants to apologise”
pause to show tension building in the scene
Suggests that Marco is thinking of ways to make Eddie apologise.
• Catherine decides to go ahead with the Wedding.
“I'll get Beatrice and meet you at the church, she leaves quickly”
The stage directions express her movements, and suggests that the ending is happy.
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Eddie forbids Beatrice to go to the Wedding
Rofolfo enters the scene apologising about his behaviour warming Eddie that Marco is
coming.
Marco and Eddie leave the apartment to have the argument, where Eddie is stabbed.
Eddie dies in Beatrice's arms.
Quotations
• “I want my respect, Didn't you ever hear of that? From my wife?
• pg 60-Eddie
• Rhetorical question
• Suggests that Eddie is jealous, that he isn't getting enough attention and isn't the top
priority anymore
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“But don't come back”
pg 61- Eddie
Short sentence
Suggests Eddies tone of voice Beatrice, convincing her to stay with him and not go to the
wedding.
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“He bites people when they sleep”
pg 61- Catherine
Uses a metaphor to describe Eddie
the use of a metaphor in this instance reflects the anger of Catherine at this point in time
and how upset she has become due to his actions, which were to try and get Marco and
Rodolfo out of America
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“The truth is not as bad as blood, Eddie!”
pg 62- Beatrice
Exclamation point – to suggest the tone of voice
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“Animal! Go on you're knees to me!”
pg 63 -Marco
Metaphor, describing Eddie as an animal
Exclamation marks – which suggest the tone of voice from Marco to Eddie
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“My. B!”
pg 64 – Eddie
Exclamation point – this suggests that Eddies tone of voice is meaningful as he takes one
of his lasts breaths.
Themes
Brotherly Love
“How can I be married an you're in here!” pg 58 -Rodolfo
“He lays a palm on Rodolfo's arm and Rodolfo covers it” Stage Directions pg 59 – Marco
Romantic/Married Love
“I want my respect” pg 60 – Eddie (divorce not accepted because they are Catholic)
“And you can never have her!” pg 62 Beatrice
“My.B!” pg 64 – Eddie
Family
“I'm goin' for my sister” Beatrice pg 60
Justice and Law
“No, Marco. You're going back” Alfieri pg 59
“If he obeys the law, he lives. That's all” Alfieri pg 59
Betrayal
“That's what you think of me?” Eddie pg 63 (Eddie thinks that Beatrice is betraying him but she
only wants to take the role of her sister and look after Catherine)
“turning the blade inward and pressing it home” Marco pg 64 (Marco broke Alfieri's promise)