A View From The Bridge Act 1 Flashcards
How does Eddie react to Catherine’s growing independence, and what does this reveal about him?
He becomes overprotective and controlling, revealing possessiveness, jealousy, and possibly repressed feelings.
Why does Beatrice encourage Catherine to be more independent?
She recognizes Eddie’s unhealthy
attachment and wants Catherine to grow into her own person.
What does the Brooklyn setting tell us about the play’s themes?
It represents working-class struggles, immigration challenges, and a close-knit but judgmental community.
How does Alfieri function in the play?
As both a lawyer and narrator, he represents justice, inevitability, and the limits of law versus personal vengeance.
What is the significance of Eddie teaching Rodolpho to box?
It’s a power play-Eddie tries to prove Rodolpho’s weakness but instead reveals his own insecurity.
How does the idea of honor and masculinity drive conflict?
Eddie believes real men must be strong, traditional, and dominant, leading to his resentment of Rodolpho and ultimate downfall.
How does Alfieri’s opening monologue set the tone for the play?
He warns of inevitable tragedy, hinting that Eddie’s fate is already sealed.
Why is Eddie reluctant to let Catherine work?
He claims it’s for her protection, but his true fear is losing control over her.
What news does Beatrice share with Eddie early in the play?
She tells Eddie that her cousins, Marco and Rodolpho, will be arriving from Italy illegally to find work in America.
How are Marco and Rodolpho different from each other?
Marco is quiet, strong, and family-oriented, while Rodolpho is lighthearted, talkative, and enjoys singing and dancing.
How does Eddie react to Rodolpho’s personality?
He dislikes Rodolpho’s non-traditional masculinity, sees him as too flashy, and later suspects him of only wanting American citizenship.
How does Catherine feel about Rodolpho?
She is attracted to his charm and free-spirited nature and starts falling in love with him despite Eddie’s objections.
What happens during the boxing scene?
Eddie pretends to teach Rodolpho boxing but actually punches him to assert dominance.
Marco then lifts a chair over Eddie’s head to subtly warn him not to threaten Rodolpho.
How does Act One end?
Tensions rise as Eddie’s jealousy and frustration grow, and it
I omes clear that
conflict will erupt.
How do Marco and Rodolpho’s first interactions with Eddie foreshadow future conflict?
Marco is respectful but strong, while Rodolpho challenges Eddie’s masculinity, hinting at later tensions.
Why does Eddie dislike Rodolpho from the start?
He sees Rodolpho as too different (blonde, sings, cooks) and later suspects him of using Catherine for citizenship.
What does the Brooklyn setting tell us about the play’s themes?
It represents working-class struggles, immigration challenges, and a close-knit but judgmental community.
