Topic > A Critique of a View from The Bridge, a Play by Arthur Miller

IndexIntroduction"A View From The Bridge": Masculinity and Gender RolesConclusionIntroductionIn Arthur Miller's "A View From The Bridge", the character Eddie Carbone serves as a compelling study of masculinity and honor in a patriarchal society. Eddie's rigid adherence to traditional gender roles and his obsession with maintaining his perceived masculinity drive the conflicts that play out throughout the show. This essay delves into Eddie's character, his attitude towards masculinity, and the consequences of his actions, shedding light on broader themes such as honor, loyalty, and social expectations. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay "A View From The Bridge": Masculinity and Gender RolesSet in the 1950s in a patriarchal society, "A View From The Bridge" portrays a world where gender roles are strictly defined and enforced. Eddie Carbone embodies the traditional view of masculinity, believing that a man should be the breadwinner, breadwinner, and physically strong. When Eddie first meets Marco, an immigrant, he admires Marco's strength and work ethic, praising him for his ability to load the ship single-handedly. This admiration highlights Eddie's emphasis on physical prowess as a crucial aspect of masculinity. Furthermore, Eddie's notion of masculinity extends beyond physical strength to include qualities such as loyalty and honor. In the close-knit community of Red Hook, where the play is set, loyalty is highly prized and there is an unwritten code of honor that dictates interactions among its members. Eddie's protectiveness of his niece, Catherine, stems from his desire to uphold his family's honor and reputation. His discomfort with Catherine's budding femininity and her interactions with other men reflects his fear of losing control and his perceived authority as breadwinner. However, Eddie's rigid adherence to traditional masculinity becomes problematic when confronted with individuals who do not conform to his narrow molds. definition of virility. When Catherine becomes romantically involved with Rodolpho, an immigrant who challenges traditional gender roles by displaying feminine qualities such as cooking and singing, Eddie's fragile sense of masculinity is threatened. He perceives Rodolpho as a threat to his dominance and reacts with hostility and aggression. Eddie's derogatory comments about Rodolpho's appearance and talent reflect his discomfort with anything that challenges his traditional notions of masculinity. The conflict between Eddie and Rodolpho intensifies as Eddie attempts to assert his dominance through physical violence. He challenges Rodolpho to a boxing match, intending to demonstrate his superiority and undermine Rodolpho's masculinity. However, when Rodolpho fails to fight back, Eddie's frustration and insecurity explode, leading to a violent confrontation that culminates in Eddie kissing Rodolpho in an attempt to emasculate him. This scene not only highlights Eddie's deep insecurities, but also highlights the destructive consequences of rigid gender roles and toxic masculinity. Furthermore, Eddie's betrayal of his own family by reporting them to immigration authorities exemplifies how far he will go to uphold his perception. honor and masculinity. In a moment of desperation and anger, Eddie ignores family loyalties and community bonds in a misguided attempt to regain control and assert his dominance. However, his actions ultimately lead to his downfall, as he is ostracized by the community and condemned by Marco, whose, 24(3), 15-29.