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Manliness In A View From The Bridge

1180 Words5 Pages
In ‘A View from the Bridge’, Arthur Miller examines the ideas of manliness, hostility and aggression. Eddie, the main protagonist has a very peculiar view of what it means to be a “real man”. Eddie is prejudiced, sometimes even spiteful towards those who do not conform to it. Threats to his honour or ideal image of masculinity, in the form of malice and aggressiveness are the cause many tense disagreements throughout the play. Manliness, as well as hostility and aggression are integral in the unfolding of events and are in a sense intertwined. Miller’s play is set in a patriarchal society in the 1950s in which gender inequality is widely accepted. During this time in America, the husband was usually responsible for providing for his family. Eddie approves of Marco, as he is identified as the main breadwinner in his family. Furthermore, stage directions imply that when Rodolpho and Marco first arrive in Brooklyn, Eddie predominantly directs his speech towards Marco. Eddie considers certain qualities such as being responsible, dutiful, and hardworking masculine. He and the other longshoreman approve of Marco, as he is seen as hardworking man who if “They leave him alone he would load the whole ship by himself”. They also refer to him as a “regular slave” and a “regular bull”, commending not only his tenacity, but also his physical strength. Eddie also considers loyalty one of the qualities of “real man”. Family ties were considered sacred within the Italian community, as
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