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Upgrade to ProA View from the Bridge in 10 Minutes
Introduction
Eddie Carbone
Beatrice Carbone
Catherine
Rodolpho
Marco
1. Eddie Carbone, a Longshoreman in Brooklyn
2. Catherine Falls in Love with Rodolpho
3. Eddies Feelings for Catherine Cause Tension
4. Marco, Rodolphos Brother, Arrives from Italy
5. Eddie Reports Marco and Rodolpho to Immigration
6. Marco Challenges Eddie to a Fight
7. Eddie and Marcos Fight Ends in Tragedy
8. Beatrice Struggles to Cope with Eddies Death
9. Catherine and Rodolphos Future is Uncertain
10. The Impact of Eddies Actions on the Community
Lesson Details & Resources
In a Nutshell
- What: A View from the Bridge by Arthur Miller
- When: Written in the mid-1950s
- Who: Eddie Carbone, Beatrice, and Marco
- Theme: Betrayal, jealousy, and masculinity
List of Characters in A View from the Bridge
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Eddie Carbone
Eddie Carbone is a longshoreman who lives in Brooklyn with his wife Beatrice and niece Catherine. He becomes increasingly obsessed with Catherine as she grows up, leading to a tragic outcome.
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Catherine
Catherine is the niece of Eddie and Beatrice Carbone. She is a young woman who is eager to break free from the confines of her family and explore her own independence.
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Beatrice Carbone
Beatrice Carbone is Eddie's wife and Catherine's aunt. She acts as a peacemaker in the family, trying to navigate the tensions between Eddie and Catherine.
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Rodolpho
Rodolpho is an Italian immigrant who comes to stay with the Carbones. He is charming and handsome, and he quickly catches Catherine's eye, sparking jealousy in Eddie.
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Marco
Marco is Rodolpho's brother, who is more serious and traditional. He becomes embroiled in the conflict between Eddie and Rodolpho, leading to a dramatic climax.
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Alfieri
Alfieri is a lawyer and narrator of the play. He provides a perspective on the events unfolding in the Carbone household, offering insight into the immigrant experience and the consequences of betrayal.
Timeline of A View from the Bridge
Eddie Carbone, a longshoreman living in Brooklyn, introduces his niece Catherine to the audience.
Eddie's wife, Beatrice, expresses concern over Catherine's growing independence and suggests that Eddie is overly protective.
Beatrice's two cousins, Marco and Rodolpho, arrive illegally from Italy and move into Eddie's home.
Catherine becomes infatuated with Rodolpho, causing tension between Eddie and Catherine.
Eddie becomes increasingly jealous and suspicious of Rodolpho's intentions toward Catherine.
Eddie seeks advice from a lawyer, Alfieri, who warns him about the consequences of his actions.
Eddie confronts Catherine and accuses her of having an inappropriate relationship with Rodolpho.
Eddie reports Marco and Rodolpho to immigration authorities, hoping to get rid of them.
Catherine confronts Eddie about his betrayal and chooses to side with Marco and Rodolpho.
In a fit of rage, Marco challenges Eddie to a physical fight to defend his honor.
Eddie, unable to back down, accepts the challenge and the two men fight.
Marco ultimately wins the fight, but spares Eddie's life.
Eddie dies in Beatrice's arms after being stabbed by his own knife, which he intended to use against Marco.
The community mourns Eddie's death, and Alfieri reflects on the tragedy and the consequences of obsession and betrayal.
Vocabulary List
- Longshoreman
- Eddie Carbone works as a longshoreman on the docks in Brooklyn.
- Immigrant
- The play explores the struggles of Italian immigrants in America.
- Betrayal
- Eddie feels betrayed when his niece falls in love with an immigrant.
- Loyalty
- Marco demonstrates loyalty to his family by seeking revenge for his brother's death.
- Tragedy
- The play ends in tragedy as Eddie's actions lead to his own downfall.
- Community
- The close-knit community in Red Hook plays a significant role in the story.
- Justice
- The characters grapple with questions of justice and morality throughout the play.
- Masculinity
- Eddie's sense of masculinity is challenged by the presence of the other men in his household.
- Conflict
- The play is driven by the conflict between traditional values and personal desires.
- Pride
- Eddie's pride ultimately leads to his tragic downfall.
Key Facts
This is the information used in the fact matching game
- - Set in the 1950s in the Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York.
- - The play focuses on the Italian-American longshoreman Eddie Carbone and his family.
- - Eddie and his wife, Beatrice, live with their niece, Catherine, who they have raised as their own.
- - Catherine develops a romantic interest in a young immigrant named Rodolpho, who has recently arrived from Italy.
- - Rodolpho's brother, Marco, also comes to stay with the Carbones and is seeking work to send money back to his family.
- - Eddie becomes increasingly jealous and concerned about Catherine's relationship with Rodolpho.
- - Eddie's feelings for Catherine become more complicated and he starts to question his own desires.
- - Eddie seeks advice from his lawyer, Alfieri, who serves as the play's narrator and Greek chorus.
- - Alfieri warns Eddie about the consequences of acting on his feelings and the limitations of the law.
- - Eddie anonymously reports Rodolpho and Marco to the immigration authorities in an attempt to get rid of them.
- - Immigration officials visit the Carbone household, causing tension and fear among the characters.
- - Eddie confronts Rodolpho about his intentions with Catherine, leading to a physical altercation.
- - Marco defends his brother by lifting a chair above Eddie's head, symbolizing his strength and loyalty.
- - Eddie's obsession with Catherine and his growing animosity towards Rodolpho escalate towards a tragic climax.
- - Eddie's actions and emotions ultimately lead to his downfall and tragic demise.
- - The play explores themes of loyalty, jealousy, betrayal, and the consequences of suppressing desires.
- - A View from the Bridge was first performed as a one-act play in 1955 and later expanded into a two-act play in 1956.
- - The play received critical acclaim and has become one of Miller's most well-known works.
- - A View from the Bridge has been adapted into films, television productions, and numerous stage revivals.
- - The play continues to be studied and performed worldwide, highlighting its timeless themes and powerful storytelling.
Analysis & Significance
Impact on Literature
‘A View from the Bridge’ by Arthur Miller has had a significant impact on literature by showcasing the complexities of human nature and the consequences of flawed decisions. The play’s exploration of jealousy, betrayal, and masculinity has influenced countless works of fiction that delve into similar themes with depth and nuance.
Enduring Themes
The timeless themes of ‘A View from the Bridge’ still resonate with modern audiences, such as the tension between individual desires and societal expectations, the consequences of hidden desires, and the destructive power of obsession. These themes continue to be relevant in today’s society, making the play a classic that remains compelling and thought-provoking.
Cultural Significance Today
‘A View from the Bridge’ holds cultural significance today due to its enduring popularity in theater productions and its adaptation into film and television. The play’s exploration of immigration, family dynamics, and the American Dream continues to resonate with audiences around the world, solidifying its place as a timeless work of literature that continues to be celebrated and studied.
A View from the Bridge Games
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Dive Deeper

A View from the Bridge Audiobook
The "A View from the Bridge" Audiobook is a story about a man named Eddie who lives in Brooklyn. He has a niece named Catherine, whom he is very protective of. Eddie's feelings for Catherine start to cause problems in his family and with his friends. The audiobook is full of drama and suspense as Eddie's actions lead to a tragic ending. Listening to this audiobook is a great way to experience the story and feel like you are right there in Brooklyn with the characters. It is a thrilling and emotional story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
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A View from the Bridge A Short Story: From Arthur Miller's play
This book is based on a famous play by Arthur Miller from 1955. It is full of exciting and interesting stories that will keep you entertained. The book also includes an introduction, notes, and activities to help you improve your reading skills and learn new words. It's perfect for anyone looking for a fun and engaging read.
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