A View from the Bridge Quiz
Plot
1. When Catherine breaks the good news of her new job at the plumbing
company, what is Eddie's reaction?
He is pleased: they need more money in the house
He laughs: how can a girl be a plumber?
He is concerned for her safety
2. Marco and Rodolpho come to America for:
A holiday
To earn money
Rodolpho and Catherine's wedding
3. Catherine falls in love with:
Rodolpho
Eddie
Marco
4. When Eddie punches Rodolpho, Marco:
kisses Eddie
punches Eddie
picks up a chair with one hand
5. Who reports Rodolpho and Marco to the Immigration Bureau?
Beatrice
Alfieri
Eddie
2) Character
As you know, it is important to use quotations in your writing to support your ideas
about the characters.
Match these quotations to the character who says them or whom they refer to.
1. "That's what you think of me - that I would have such a thoughts?"
Catherine
Eddie
Marco
2. "It's wonderful for a whole family to love each other, but you're a grown
woman and you're in the same house with a grown man."
Beatrice
Eddie
Alfieri
3. "I don't know anything, teach me, Rodolpho, hold me."
Beatrice
Catherine
Eddie
4. "The law? All the law is not in a book."
Alfieri
Rodolpho
Marco
5. "I have made all our troubles.."
Rodolpho
Beatrice
Marco
6. "Justice is very important here."
Eddie
Marco
Alfieri
Match the Quote to the context
a.
This comes from Alfieri's opening speech.
The law does not always deliver justice sometimes people take the law into their
own hands. Alfieri accepts that unjust men criminals - sometimes do just or fair acts. It
makes us consider the question of justice,
which the play goes on to explore.
b.
It is ironic that Rodolpho's song, a
favourite of Catherine's, is actually a
comment on how Eddie feels. Eddie is
alone in his secret love for Catherine - he
will not even admit his feelings to
himself. Catherine is 'not his own' not
only because she has another boyfriend,
but because she is Eddie's niece and his
love is incestuous.
c.
Marco has many reasons to hate Eddie and
so feels completely vindicated in punishing
him. He feels that his honour is at stake if
he does not act - it is his duty. Alfieri
recognises Marco's need to do what he sees
as right: You're an honourable man. It is
ironic that in fulfilling his need to do what is
'just' to Eddie, Marco actually breaks his
promise to Alfieri not to harm Eddie, which
in itself could be seen as dishonourable.
d.
These words from Alfieri's closing speech
ensure that we leave the theatre with a
lot to consider. As a lawyer, Alfieri is
concerned with the 'truth' all the time in
his search for justice, and here he gives
truth religious status, setting it above the
characters. Yet during the play we saw
how different characters read the truth in
different ways - Eddie, fatally, was never
able to admit (perhaps not even to
himself) the truth that he loved
Catherine.
1. "He degraded my brother. My blood. He robbed my children, he
mocks my work. I work to come here, mister!"
2. "But the truth is holy."
3. "Oh, there were many here who were justly shot by unjust men."
4. "I'll tell you boys it's tough to be alone, And it's tough to love a
doll that's not your own."
Question
Have a go at planning and writing your answer.
How does the relationship between Eddie and Catherine change during the first
act of the play? Give reasons for your answer.
Para 1: Introduction

Explain the background to the relationship and show what the relationship is like at the
start of the play.
Para 2 - The relationship at the start of the play


Discuss Eddie's reaction to Catherine's new skirt and her new job, and what this shows
about his feelings for her.
You could also mention Beatrice's view of the relationship at his point - she gives us the
first hints that Eddie is over-protective.
Para 3 - Impact of Rodolpho's arrival

Discuss how the arrival of Rodolpho immediately changes the state of Eddie's feelings for
Catherine. As she becomes more attracted to Rodolpho, Eddie becomes more desperate
to prevent his rival taking Catherine away from him.
Para 4 - Contrast Eddie's and Catherine's feelings for each other


Comment on the difference between Catherine's innocent fondness for Eddie and his
shameful love for her. Give examples to show how we know what each of them is
feeling.
You could also mention Alfieri's view of Eddie's love and how Alfieri understands it was
impossible for Eddie to control.
Para 5 - Fight at end of Act I

Examine the fight at the end of Act I when Catherine makes it clear that she loves
Rodolpho more than Eddie. How does this prepare us for Act II?
Para 6 - Conclusion

Look forward to what will happen in Act II. Briefly summarise how what we have learnt
about the relationship so far prepares us for the fatal ending.