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 naПve, ?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.??????????? ? ?