Trace And Explore The Changing Relationship Between Catherine And Eddie Throughout The Play Essay, Research Paper
` ??????? ? In
order to do this, we need to understand the background of the writer himself.
Arthur Miller was born in Manhattan, New York in 1915.? His parents were immigrants to America
living prosperously due to their successful manufacturing business, but
following the Wall Street Crash in 1929 the business collapsed and the family
moved to Brooklyn.? Miller was fortunate
to find work as a warehouseman, and saved desperately to go to Michigan
University. He graduated in 1958, and earned a living in journalism writing
scripts for radio.During World War II he worked in a shipyard where
the majority of the workers were Italian.?
Here he became aware of ?family centred concerns,? and viewed many of
the social problems surrounding him.Arthur Miller produced and wrote many plays, all
with varying success.? Many of these
examined the individual in relation to their position in society and
responsibility, therefore many were seen as political.He wrote ?A View from the Bridge? in 1955, and we
see immediately Miller?s own historical context as details from his life are
incorporated, this makes the play almost autobiographical. It gives the
environment as a whole, a more realistic and personal feel.? The dialect of the characters is broken
English. This adds realism and sets geographical context. It also suggests
social class and standards, ?you oughta see what comes outa.? This distinct
Italian-American dialogue follows throughout the play and we see more in
Rodolpho and Marco, the immigrants.The play in set out in two main acts, separated by a
time span.? This helps move the play
along and gives the audience a chance to see how the characters develop.? This reflects the style and context of the
play, and also social and historical context of the setting and history of the
character themselves. Miller uses Alfieri as the narrator and also a
character in the play. He appears in vital points predicting an outcome, summarising
the action and giving personal views from his characters.? Alfieri is the first person the audience
sees and is a dramatic device; he gives an immediate personal connection
talking to the audience directly. As a lawyer we know he can be trusted, he
represents the official and legal law and is well respected for this, ?The two
pitchers nod to him as he passes.? He talks in retrospect and even uses an
extended metaphor to create an impression of the area these characters are
placed. ?This is the gullet of New York swallowing the tonnage of the
world.?? It also emphasizes greed and
corruption giving the play a definite placement to the play with ominous
overtones.? He gives away that there
will be a tragedy at the end, ?and sat there as powerless as I, and watched it
run its bloody course.? At first glance this could be seen as badly written,
however when Alfieri gives these clues, it prepares the audience for tragedy
enabling the audience to pick up on what to look out for. This adds to the
progressional build up of tension. Following his prediction there is a link
with the tragedy and the main character Eddie, ?this ones name was Eddie
Carbone.? It instantly shows us that Eddie is involved directly to what will
happen.In the fist scene we meet Catherine and Eddie. This
is where we can begin to get an understanding of their relationship. In the
opening scene, you are swept into believing that their relationship is
different than it actually is. ?Hi Eddie? ?Eddie is pleased and therefore shy
about it.? It would seem that perhaps they are ?going out,? close friends, or
even brother and sister.? Family
relations are soon confirmed, ?Oh if your mother was alive to see you now.?
This indicates Eddie?s first sense of pride in her.? Eddie is protective of ?I think its too short aint it.? He says
when he inspects her new dress.? We
become aware of Edie?s concern over how Catherine presents herself, ?You?re
walkin wavy.? He seems concerned for her safety but perhaps as her Uncle, he is
jealous because of how, in a family relationship cannot have her to himself.
There appears to be a slight friction between them just from this first
disagreement.Eddie is possessive and protective, this is
reflected in his views on the attention Catherine is attracting from younger
men, ?Now don?t get mad kid,? This is Eddies caring side coming through when he
reassures her. Eddie is married to Beatrice, who is a major factor
in Eddie and Catherine?s changing relationship.? The fact that Eddie is married adds surprise to the way he acted
earlier with Catherine.? Beatrice is
frantic and constantly worrying, ?(astounded and afraid) I?m ?I just -I can?t
believe it! I didn?t even buy a new tablecloth.? Beatrice is very worried about
the fact her cousins will be illegally staying at their house, but Eddie shows
he is caring towards her too. ?Listen they?ll think it?s a millionaires house
compared to the way they live.?? In his
role as a husband, Eddie is concerned to keep everything running smoothly and
keeping everything under control. ?He
manages to maintain a steady laidback attitude, and apart from this helping
Beatrice calm down it also shows he is not afraid of the law and its
consequences for being caught.? This
links in with the Italian love, devotion and loyalty to family and country, and
is shown dramatically when we hear about ?Vinny Bolzano,? and Eddie?s own
response to hearing it, ?The kid snitched?? On his own uncle!?. what, was he
crazy.?? It again emphasizes the Italian
importance of loyalty and the shock of betrayal.? Beatrice obviously loves Eddie and praises him for his control on
the situation, ?You?re an angel! God?ll bless you (he is gratefully smiling)
you?ll see, you?ll get a blessing for this!??
This reveals the closeness of their marriage and their respect for each
other.?? Eddie once
again becomes uncomfortable at Catherine?s increasing independence.? He does not realise that she is at a point
of change, ?No, no you gonna finish school,? He feels a great sense of loss and
is swamped with emotion.? His pride for
her seems to be lifted but in the process he is becoming further from her,
Catherine does not have to listen to Eddie but out of respect feels she has
to.?? His abnormal reaction is
emphasized by the fact that jobs are vital in such an economically depressed
era; she is incredibly lucky to have such an opportunity.? In contrast, Beatrice is supportive and
encouraging.? Eddie senses this and
becomes more sympathetic perhaps just to cover up his earlier mood.? The friction is increasing.Eddie has some arrogant feelings about Catherine
?That?s life. And you?ll come visit on Sundays, then once a month then
Christmas and New Year?s, finally,? Catherine senses this and feels let down,
?(grasping his arm to reassure him and to erase accusation) No please!?? Eddie is also critical of Beatrice, ?You got
a good Aunt but she?s got too big a heart.? This reveals that Eddie is
protective of Beatrice and that he does not want her to be taken advantage of,
but is also using the fact as an excuse for his behaviour.? He is over reacting about anything
concerning Catherine becoming more independent.?? Overall the dramatic mood has changed. Eddie
continues to play the role of the more experienced man by giving further advice
to Catherine. This only comes after the story of Vinny Bolzano, he explains the
process of illegal immigration, but as the stage directions indicate there is
another change in the atmosphere.? We
are told that tears come to his eyes and Catherine does not know how to respond
and embarrassed tries to laugh it off. Eddie shows his discomfort by reaching
for a cigar. The prospect of Catherine going out into the world is difficult
for Eddie to accept. He knows she will no longer be the baby in the family for
him to support and protect, and he does not know how to deal with his
over-protective and emotionally corrupted feelings for her.? At this part in the play, it becomes obvious
that the tragedy Alfieri predicted is now linked directly to Eddie and
Catherine?s situation. ?In this play, the stage
directions are very important as they give the movement and life to characters,
and also allow further expressions through movement.? It gives the audience a clearer view of positions on stage,
social and physical, ?She hurries out. There is a slight pause, and Eddie turns
to Beatrice, who has been avoiding her gaze.? This is particularly important to
this play as it reveals how Beatrice feels towards Eddie at the time and
although she respects him, she is now deeply concerned over his thoughts and
actions.Alfieri endorses this point by emphasising what a
good Uncle and husband he is.? ?He was a
good man as he had to be in life that was hard and even.? He worked on the piers when there was work,
he brought home his pay, and he lived.??
Marco and Rodolpho?s arrival signals the start of
the turning point in Catherine and Eddie?s relationship. Eddie?s open greeting
to Beatrice?s cousins reveal his warm and confident character.? Marco shows he has a lot of respect for
Eddie and reflects this by thanking people frequently, quietening his brother
and refusing food.? He is keen to avoid
taking liberties whereas; Rodolpho is excitable and less mature. There is also
contrast in the physical appearance of the brothers, ?He?s practically blonde,?
This is Catherine and Beatrice?s surprised reaction.? The brothers? background is important, as it reflects how they
act towards other people and their surroundings.? ?In our town there are no piers only the beach and little fishing
boats,? this now shows us that as poor peasants looking for work they will have
high expectations of America, ?The New Colossus.??Eddie
obviously sees Marco and Rodolpho as a threat to his relationship with
Catherine ?What?s the high heels for Garbo,? ?Do me a favour will you? Go
ahead.? Eddie is again angered over Catherine?s appearance.? Together with Eddie?s other critical
comments the audience can feel the tension developing.? Eddie envies the attention Catherine and
Rodolpho are paying to each other.? He
shows Rodolpho, he has authority over Catherine and conveys a warning to both
of them not to become tempted.? The
stage directions emphasise this point and it is clear that Catherine is both
embarrassed and angered at being made look stupid.Catherine?s first feelings towards Rodolpho are
important and we need to know why and what she feels for him.? You would think if anyone, she would be
attracted to Marco being tall, dark and strong, the typical macho hero figure,
whereas Rodolpho could not be any more different and the contrast with his
brother makes him seem even more unusual. His most striking feature is his
blonde hair, which he attributes to the Danes having invaded Sicily. Later on
however, Eddie drops hints that it might be dyed.Rodolpho is young, immature and excited and this is
just what Catherine finds so charming. ?Listening to the fountain like birds,?
this is one of the many similes he uses.?
We also discover that he laughs a lot and tells exaggerated stories,
such as the motorbike and singing in the hotel. Catherine is attracted to
Rodolpho now she sees herself as grown up and independent and this surely
influences her sudden interest in him. Rodolpho may seem over confident, conceited and
thoughtless, but he always seeks permission from Marco for his actions.? They are close brothers, but it is obvious
that Marco is the wiser and more respected, ?If we can stay here a few months,
Beatrice,? his gratitude and respect being revealed.? ?Because I could send them a little more if I stay here,? indicates
that Marco is affectionate and cares for his own family. The tragedy is underway and all this action is
developing before Eddie.? Due to his
situation, he becomes more and more agitated.?
Eddie?s attempts to intervene in Catherine and Rodolpho?s relationship
are ineffective.? Rodolpho is affectionate
to Catherine already in singing ?paper doll,? which she finds flattering. There
is further symbolism in her offering him sugar to which he readily accepts, all
this adds to Eddie?s jealous and resentful attitude. Once again Alfieri recaps and leaves the audience
to think for themselves about the characters.?
This is a very useful dramatic device, it reminds the audience to look
for the parts that reveal the most information. It also gives further participation
with the characters on stage, thus becoming more personal.We see a long duologue between Eddie and
Beatrice.? Eddie now becomes agitated
when Catherine is out, ?When he ain?t working. He ain?t supposed to go
advertising himself.? We know Catherine and Rodolpo have been dating for two
weeks and are at the pictures when the scene opens. It is clear Eddie?s concern
has grown; he pretends he is worried for Rodolpho?s safety, although it is
obvious he is only becoming agitated at the thought of them being together out
of his sight. Beatrice senses his distrust, ?(Smiling) Ah, go on, you?re just
jealous.?? However, she keeps her
feelings safe by presenting her thoughts almost as a joke? Beatrice only wants what is best for Catherine and
reflects this by supporting all her actions.?
As Eddie?s wife Beatrice feels left out and even rejected, ?When am I
gonna be a wife again Eddie?? She finds the situation frustrating, ?am I doing
something wrong.? In her desperate search to be accepted she even blames
herself. From the start we saw how Eddie was in charge of the relationship, but
now Beatrice is angered by his lack of attention ?Eddie I want you to cut it
out, right now, you hear me.? In Beatrice?s frustration she has stood up to
him. The blatant accusing only frustrates and complicates Eddie?s thoughts, and
it becomes clear their relationship is starting to break up.? This is just from Eddie?s anger toward
Catherine and Rodolpho, not only is his marriage breaking apart but his
relationship with Catherine is too.? Throughout this, it is important to remember that
the negative actions and tensions running through the household are all because
of Eddie; he is the only one jealous of Catherine and Rodolpho.???? There is much irony with Louis and Mike, ?He comes
around, and everybody?s laughing.? The tense atmosphere increases immediately
when Eddie meets his friends on the pier, putting further strain on Eddie?s
thoughts and feelings. You get the impression Louis and Mike know to talk about
Rodolpho in such a way as Eddie becomes unbearably uncomfortable, ?Yeah
(troubled) He?s gota sense of humour.??
He only gives short answers to his friend?s tedious and drawn-out
remarks. This whole scene is humorous in that no matter how tense Eddie becomes
Louis and Mike continue to build on their remarks, repeating how much they like
Rodolpho.? On Catherine?s return we see how she and Eddie react
toward one another, this is one of the few chances we get where the two main
characters convey their real feelings towards one another. We now see that Eddie grows tense when Catherine is
out, ?I don?t see you no more, I come home your running around some
place.?? Catherine becomes frustrated
too at Eddie, ?What?s the matter, you don?t like him?? This is Catherine?s
concern of Eddie?s distrust in Rodolpho.?
Eddie finds it difficult to talk directly to her, ?You gonna marry him??
She avoids answering.? Eddie clearly
wants to resume the relationship, hence the friendly approach of smiles, and in
Catherine?s case punching his arm. Eddie feels he has to be more direct but he
still keeps the conversation ?safe,? from that, Rodolpho should ask permission,
onto the passport to freedom, ?Katie he?s only bowin to his passport.? As the
intensity of his accusations increase, Catherine feels more let down and
perhaps guilty, ?He loves me.? She?s reflecting this in her answers using
short, sharp lines and denying anything Eddie promotes.? Eddie is becoming frantic criticising
Rodolpho. Eddie blames him for spending his pay on clothes instead of sending
it home to his family; he also finishes with the simple declaration ?The guy is
no good.? Just from his speech there is a loss of control and frustration, ?You
don?t think so!?? This reflects directly
to other people that he is frantic and becoming erratic in his actions. To perfectly counteract this conversation we see
Catherine?s other side of the argument in the form of Beatrice. The key words
used here are ?baby,? ?little girl? and ?grown woman.?? Catherine is not guilty in any real sense of
the word but Beatrice makes it clear that she has helped to foster Eddie?s
feelings for her, from her girlish affection. Beatrice uses the fact again and
again that she is independent, grown up and the fact that Eddie has no control
over her actions.? We see Catherine?s
response to Eddie?s thoughts as self-doubt, becoming reluctant to hurt his
feelings.? As Catherine grew up she saw
Eddie as her father figure and for this has much respect for him. Beatrice
knows there is this sense of jealousy, ?If it was a prince came here for you it
would be no different.? There is definite discomfort now in Catherine as well
as Beatrice although more hidden, and this mirrors how they act towards him and
each other. ????????? IN the next scene Alfieri takes part
as a normal character. He does not abandon his chorus role, however he
introduces Eddie with a brief speech and links the next section with another
soliloquy.? His certainty of disaster
communicates itself to the audience. It is almost as if Eddie?s destiny has
over taken him, and as if he has already committed the crime, he is filled with
guilt and revenge but has so far held this all in.? Alfieri?s tone and context always follow the main idea of law, ?I
don?t understand what I can do for you. Is there a question of law somewhere??
He repeats throughout words such as ?law,? ?legal,? ?proof? and ?nothing to be
done.? This contrasts Eddies words, ?I know,? ?I mean,? ?I see? and ?right.?
They are talking two different types of evidence, natural and legal leaving
Eddie with what he thinks is the only right one. ????????? Alfirei is very observant as a lawyer,
?Eddie. She can?t marry, you can she.? It is becoming obvious to him Eddie is
jealous of Rodolpho as he easily detected this, Eddies thoughts are very
confused, ?What?re you talking about, marry me! I don?t know what the hell your
talking about.? His reaction to the truth being revealed is to block it out of
his mind and deny any knowledge of knowing what Alfieri is talking about.? He continues to act as if it never happened,
?im- (He feels the threat of sobs, and with a helpless wave) I?ll see you
around.? To avoid the awkward situation, he leaves in shame. ????????? Alfieri, even as a powerful figure in
society himself feels he can do nothing. ?I knew where he was going to end I
was so powerless to stop it.? This he reveals in his scene summary. In the next
scene all the household characters are involved. This is an ideal opportunity
to view as the audience how they now react toward each other in the
confinements of the social surroundings. Eddie is still frustrated with
Rodolpho, ?I know lemons are green, for Christ?s sake.? To add criticism also
makes the joke of Italian women not holding their responsibilities, but is also
again able to twist the tension of his remarks to warn Rodolpho about the
strictness in the area, ?it ain?t so free here either.? Rodolpho is able to
pick this up, ?well I always have respect.? His comment also reveals he is
aware of Eddies concern. Marco probably feels he must keep respect for Eddie,
?You come here early now.? Taking the side of Eddie. ????????? Catherine conveys her anger to Eddie
for humiliating her and also indicates she is aware of Eddie?s actions. She
does this by playing the record ?paper doll.? It is the natural law of revenge
and has more significance to him, as it is Rodolpho?s nickname from working on
the dock.? Eddie is becoming frustrated,
?Eddie turns his head away.? His first reaction to this is to act as if he has
not realised her rebellious state. However this soon changes, ?Its wonderful,
he cooks, he sings, he could make dresses.? This also re-emphasizes the
contrast with his brother and the typical Italian image.? Eddie?s
own dialogue now reveals a different side to him, which is perhaps just a cover
up to give a fake image of how he really feels. In it he addresses Beatrice,
telling her how if he had the same ?talents? as Rodolpho, they would be living
a better life somewhere else. Eddie would prefer if Rodolpho was not around,
?That?s why the waterfront is no place for him.?? Eddie thinks Rodolpho would not be able to cope in a fight
situation and teaches him how to box, ?Just put your hands up like this.?? It is important to remember that Eddie is
using the situation to release his own tension, being in the position to hit
Rodolpho but get away with no physical conflict. ?Marco is able to notice Eddie?s jealousy,
?can you lift this chair?? This is a subtle test of Eddie?s strength. It is an
important quote as it is his warning and a threat, and is aware of Eddie?s
actions to his brother. The scene is charged with suppressed violence and connects
with how Italians are loyal to their family, ?Eddie?s grin vanishes as he
absorbs his look,? physical strength is admired yet feared. The audience can
easily see how the position of Marco and Eddie gives the visual impact of
threat and superiority. ????????? We now see how Eddie?s
excuses have worried Catherine and made her feel guilty, ?Suppose I wanted to
live in Italy.? This is her test for Rodolpho?s devotion to their relationship.
Rodolpho, although rejects her idea still passes the test, showing his care for
Catherine?s well being, but emphasizing the difficulties of work and money
problems that they would find. This restores Catherine?s confidence in his love
and devotion to her, removing any doubts of Eddie?s idea, ?Passport to
freedom.? ????????? Eddie has lost control over the situation. Although
he is drunk and this partly excuses his actions, the effects have obviously
made him reveal his true thoughts in a disastrous way. To add to the unnerving
atmosphere he becomes further enraged by the fact Catherine and Rodolpho have
been disturbed as they rush out of her room. Eddie is unreasonable and
irrational, ?Pack it up. Go ahead. Get your stuff and get outa here.? he orders
Rodolpho to leave even though he is innocent of any wrong doing, Catherine is
confident Eddie is wrong, ?(Trembling with fright) I think I have to get out of
here, Eddie.? She is obviously scared and although confused from the change of
character knows she is in danger. Reinforcing her intentions to leave but still
feels she is letting Eddie down, ?(She sees the tears in his eyes)? Eddie
although feels further than ever from Catherine, tries to stop her leaving
using the shocking action of kissing her.?
As Rodolpho intervenes, he kisses him too. There is symbolism in how
Eddie tries to portray that there is no difference between kissing a woman and
Rodolpho, and this adds to the idea of him being feminine. For the first time
now, Catherine uses physical force to stop Eddie, and this reveals she is
angered to the point feels she must stop him. Catherine and Eddie?s
relationship is now so badly damaged it would be improbable they could repair
it.? Eddie visits Alfieri again and it reveals how
helpless he is and that this is a last desperate attempt to prevent them
getting married. A striking simile here is ?His eyes were like tunnels? this
phrase could resemble a missing fulfilment in Eddie?s life or perhaps a
frightful sense of danger waiting to be released.? Alfieri becomes irritated at Eddies persistence, ?morally and
legally you have no rights.?? This only
makes Eddie more frustrated by the lack of legal rights to intervene. The only
option he can see is to call the immigration office reporting Beatrice?s
cousins. This connects ironically back to the story of Vinny Bolzano and how
shocked he was to hear about it, although now he is playing, without realising
it, the role of Vinny himself.????????? Beatrice is another character who adds
to the guilt he feels, ?(He gets up, moves about uneasily, restlessly.? This
comes from her continual accusing of Eddie. To add to this dramatic irony
Catherine makes him feel more ashamed, her news of marrying earlier for fear of
the immigrants being caught. Eddie has confused feelings and is agitated, ?I
realise I kept you home too much.? This is his first apology for his actions,
however it has taken a lot to get this from him.????????? We
see how Eddie?s character has now changed, ?get them out.?? He constantly worries about the two
immigrants from Lipari?s family, as this will increase knowledge of what he has
done. Up to the entrance of the immigrant officers Eddie becomes understandably
more frantic, Catherine and Beatrice could seem a little naÏve, ?She stands a
moment in realised horror.?? They only
realised what has happened at the point of the officer?s entrance, which astonishes
them. Marco is also shocked, ?he spits into Eddies face.? This shows his
disgust; Eddie does not seem to understand the concept of natural law, though
when it is being used on him, ?Oh, you mothers-!? He is also threatening, ?I?ll
kill you for that.? Although it is just a play it is still shocking to read how
outrageous his response to Marco?s action are, and how from now all Eddies
vengeful feelings are directed to Marco, instead of Rodolpho.Now that the immediate neighbourhood have been alerted,
Marco sees this as the ideal opportunity to take further revenge by exposing
what Eddie has done, ?That one, he killed my children!? although he changes the
truth his accusation is still just as shocking. This obviously has a powerful
effect as everyone now turns their backs physically and mentally leaving Eddie
by himself in shame.????????? The situation has now for the first
time brought Rodolpho and Marco to Alfieri for the first ?law? situation, also
Alfieri?s knowledge as a lawyer can be used for effect. Alfieri understands how
Marco must feel against Eddie, ?You won?t touch him. This is your promise?
Alfieri still believes Marco will look for revenge.? Catherine has lost all respect for Eddie, emphasising to Rodolpho
how they must move on from here. This contrasts deeply how she felt at the
start of the play.? Marco is looking to
get back Eddie, ?The law, all the law is not in a book.? Marco is emphasizing
that it is natural law for him to get revenge for what he feels is a traitor to
his country.The next scene shows how although their marriage has
been shaken, Beatrice and Eddie are still together. This must come from a solid
feeling of love for him and how Beatrice will always support him. As they talk
it is revealed Eddie is still after his ?respect,? and an apology from
Marco.? As Catherine enters, she
rebellious to Eddie, ?How can you listen to him? This rat.? Repeating the fact
Eddie should never of been able to tell anyone what to do. It has a greater
impact as it reflects on her own personal ordeal. Beatrice is also worried
about Eddie?s reaction, ?Shut up Katie.? She reveals this by trying to quieten
Catherine. This however only has the opposite effect by emphasising Catherine?s
comments. Eddie has lost control and has a sense of almost madness, ?Eddie
seems about to pick up the table and fling it at her.? Eddie is only after
revenge to Marco who humiliated him earlier and seems unstoppable in his quest.
Rodolpho?s a ?peace maker? trying to stop any violence from erupting, ?I wish
to apologise.? His own guilt that Eddie created makes him feel he must do this.
Eddie is persistent for his respect, ?He?s got my name.? At this point Beatrice
is also trying to stop the inevitable, ?You want something else, Eddie, and you
can never have her!? Like Alfieri, she reveals the truth about his feelings for
Catherine, They are both horrified by this, but before any real feelings are
expressed, the entrance of Marco adds further tension. This is an unstoppable
explosive situation as they are both looking for revenge. Eddie shows he is
more enraged first, ?I want my name, Marco.? Trying to show it is more his
fault, before taking the first move against him.?We now see
how that, because Marco is stronger than him, Eddie relied on using a knife to
give him the upper hand. It also shows how he had the intentions to prepare
this for when he met up with him, and that his actions were not encouraged at
the time. There is symbolism that Eddie brought his death on himself.?? As Alfieri started the play he now finishes it leaving
the audience shocked from the twist in the storyline and to think for
themselves about what has just happened. This dramatic device is used with
great effect.To summarise the play we need to understand why the
action took the course it did. We know from the start that Eddie brought up
Catherine in perhaps the wrong way, it is displayed throughout the play and
although she fostered his feelings, he could have changed. To begin with
Catherine had a lot of respect for Eddie adopting her but she realises herself
through Eddies continuous jealous actions, he is wrong.? I personally feel as a play, Arthur Miller
created Catherine to act this way as a sympathy tool for the audience, by
including her, the audience can relate to her and easily distinguish the so
called ?good and bad? characters of the play. ? The
characters actions are only brought around by love and it is this that fuels
the violence.? Catherine?s love for
Rodolpho is real but as Eddie indicated, I feel that she is perhaps just taking
the first man she can, to become more independent. She has love for Eddie as a
father, but this is soon smashed by his jealous actions.? Eddie loves Beatrice as his wife struggled
to have only ?fatherly? love for Catherine. Beatrice always loved Eddie but
this is complicated by his feelings for Catherine. We even see Marco has
genuine love for his family, not just in helping his brother but also by his
intentions to help his family back home.The other main factor that circulates the play is
the family loyalties: Beatrice and her cousins, Marco and his wife, Eddie and
his family and even the Lipari household. The problem is, the hatred and love
go against the family connections.? This
only ends in tragedy as the situations only complicate others further, and if families
are betrayed it can bring whole communities of people against one other.? In this case it was Eddie Carbone, the
seemingly innocent hard worker and ideal family figure.??????????? ? ?