In what ways is A view from the bridge like a Greek tragedy? Essay

In what ways is A view from the bridge like a Greek tragedy? Introduction In this essay I will be explaining in what ways "A View from the Bridge" is like a Greek tragedy by exploring what Eddie's tragic flaw is and how it influences his actions, sending him on a path of self-destruction that eventually leads to his tragic downfall. I will also be explaining which of the other characters and key events in the play have the biggest impacts on Eddie and his downfall. In the opening scene of the play, the audience is shown the setting of the play, which is the harbour area of Brooklyn near the Brooklyn bridge. When it shows Eddie with Beatrice and Catherine their use of dialogue initially suggests to the audience that they get along well and that there is a general 'happy family' atmosphere. The scene gives the audience the impression that Eddie is a good man who seems perfectly happy with his life since he has the dignity of a job that he likes and the love of his family. The audience also find out that Eddie is not related to Catherine which is an important fact to remember about him. Even though Eddie is not Catherine's real father he is still extremely over-protective of her, which suggests he may feel a bit too strongly for her and it is this love which is in fact the tragic flaw that eventually leads to his downfall. But this unlawful love does not come out into the open until it is sparked off by a metaphorical catalyst in the form of Beatrice's cousin Rodolpho. The first hints of this love that are given to the audience are when they see Eddie's obsession with the way Catherine dresses, for example when she comes in wearing a new dress and he says: " I think it's too short " He then goes o... ...uld be going on, perhaps a little. It didn't even cross her mind that she was a potential 'rival' to Beatrice; 'He said you was jealous?' Heidegger enveloped badman2k3's structuralism hypothesis. When Catherine falls in love with Rodolfo, Eddie cannot stand this, and does everything in his power to stop it, as his subconscious desires tear him apart slowly. He even calls the immigration bureau and risks his respect (which means so much to him) for her. I feel that both Eddie and Catherine were partly to blame for the tragic end of their relationship and in general. However, Catherine gained her confidence and independence a little more toward the end of the play. Eddie's possessiveness and dominance over Catherine suffocated her into staying a 'baby', but I feel she could/should have been more self- aware, especially of the situation around her.