Timed Essay
‘Individuals must take responsibility for their own fate’
Show how the main character plays part in defining the outcome of their fate.
Introduction
Name play, author, address the question and which features you will focus on
Paragraph 1
Topic Sentence: First Impressions of Eddie
What are our first impressions of Eddie?
‘I want my respect’
‘You can quicker get back a million dollars that was stole than a word you gave away’ Vinny Bolzano story (loyalty – Eddie will go oonto betray his community code)
Paragraph 2:
Eddie’s initial reaction to Rodolpho sets off a chain of events which will ultimately lead to Eddie’s death.

Initial response to R
What is his reaction to Rodolpho? Why?
Shows instant dislike
( cooks sews sings blonde hair, clearly more effeminate than Eddie) he gives me the ‘heebe jeebies’
‘I knew where he was heading for and I was powerless to stop it.’
Paragraph 3
Eddie’s fate becomes clearer during the Boxing scene at the end of Act
1 when his dislike for Rodolpho is clearly shown.


Claustrophobic domestic setting

Eddie challenges Rodolpho to a boxing match a ruse to punch him
 Marco’s response – shows how he is physically stronger

Competition, jealousy
‘Every body’s got somebody that he loves, heh? But sometimes there’s too much’ Alfieri
Paragraph 4 In the Kissing scene at the beginning of Act 11, Eddies behaviour drives Eddie and Catherine even closer together.

Drunk more likely to act on impulse

An aggressive sexual Act.

A mocking insulting gesture.

Leads to phoning immigration, R& M arrested

Marco spits in Eddies face and calls him an animal
‘his eyes were like tunnels’
‘Even those who understand will turn against you, even the ones who feel the same will despise you.’
Paragraph 5 Death Scene
Eddie’ fate is sealed when he demands that Marco give him his name back.

Played out in front of whole community,
 Still won’t admit what he has done.

Cannot face the shocking truth
‘ you want something Eddie and you can never have her.’
Ironic that Eddie dies by his own knife. He in effect destroys himself

Keywords jealously, rage, suppressed desire, betrayal, loyalt