Sunday, October 6, 2013

How does the theme of manliness differ between Eddie, Rodolfo and Marco in A View From The Bridge?

In these three men, Eddie, Rodolpho and Marco, we are
presented with three distinctly different modes of
masculinity.


Eddie is a man out of touch with his emotions
who is, therefore, dominated by them. He is often unable to control his feelings or the
actions those feelings lead to, as seen most clearly in the act of calling the
immigration office to report Rodolpho and Marco.


Yet Eddie
is also a protective type of person. This trait, though sometimes positive, is
responsible for Eddie's downfall as it becomes twisted up with his improper affections
for Catherine. 


Rodolpho is the most effeminate man in the
play, from his hair to his antics. He sings, sews and cooks. Eddie sees Rodolpho as less
of a man than he is, a rival to whom he is loathe to lose
Catherine.



In
Eddie’s assessment, something is wrong with
Rodolpho.



Eddie is not the
only person to see Rodolpho as negatively different due to the lack of concern he seems
to show for being "macho". This difference causes some problems for
Rodolpho. 


readability="5">

[Rodolpho] has difficulties at work with the
other longshoremen because he is too
effeminate...



Marco is an Old
World figure. His masculinity is defined by a deadly code that he articulates to Alfieri
toward the end of the play. The silent and polite Marco shows himself to be prepared to
defend his family if that should be necessary.


readability="7">

Marco then proceeds not only to lift the chair
but also to raise it over his head, revealing himself as a hidden
threat.



Rodolpho's flaws are
not as obvious as those of Eddie and Marco, perhaps because Rodolpho's code of conduct
is less clearly presented in the play. However, Eddie and Marco each demonstrate that
the same traits that can help to protect and shelter a family can become corrupted and
serve to destroy it.  

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