A View from the Bridge by Arthur Miller That’s tragic, Eddie

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It has been argued that ‘the tragic mode is archaic, fit only for the very

highly placed, the kings or the kingly’. Discuss the extent to which you

feel Eddie is a suitable tragic hero.

The following questions are designed to help you prepare your essay. You can change the order and must add points of your own to answer the essay question.

What is a tragic hero? What is traditionally expected of such a character? What does Arthur Miller have to say about the tragic hero in today’s society?

In which ways is Eddie a tragic hero? Are his actions heroic? Does he match the traditional view of a hero? Does he satisfy Miller’s definition of a modern tragic hero?

How might the stage appear to an audience at the start of the play? Is this a scene set up for tragedy? What might they expect from the set? How does it establish place and time?

Alfieri apparently takes a similar role to that of the chorus in a Greek tragedy. What would a chorus traditionally do? How does Alfieri embody this role? Look at the opening of the play. What is the effect of his introduction?

The hero has a tragic flaw. What is Eddie’s? Look at the parts where Eddie comes home to Catherine and where Beatrice is talking to Catherine about her behaviour.

Honour is an important theme in Greek tragedy. Find two sections which you think show the importance of honour to Eddie. How does the audience feel? Do they sympathise with Eddie? How does Eddie change between the two scenes?

Is the outcome of the play inevitable? In Greek tragedy fate plays a part in the hero’s destiny. For example, Oedipus was destined to kill his father. What elements lead to Eddie’s downfall?

Is Eddie suitable as a tragic hero?

For an A* you need to show originality of analysis and interpretation when evaluating: the effects of character and

action the effects of dramatic devices

or structures the layers of meaning in

language, ideas and themes the social and historical setting

or cultural context or literary tradition.

Remember to use quotations – embed them into your sentences where appropriate and make sure you explore the layers of meaning.

Use CAPITAL LETTERS for the title of the play and put it in ‘inverted commas’ if you are handwriting, or use italics if using a word processor.

Start a new paragraph for each new point you make, and ensure that your points relate to the question.

Connect your paragraphs in a logical manner. Don’t leap from one point to another!