A View From the Bridge Timed Essay

Choosing the Right Question 1.Consider a play in the course of which one of the major characters changes significantly. Outline the nature of the change, and go on to discuss to what extent the dramatist convinces you that the change is credible and consistent with the play’s theme. 2.From any play choose a character whom you regard as being excitingly villainous. By detailed reference to the character’s words and actions, explain how he/she elicits this response in you. In your answer you should refer closely to the text and at least two of: plot; dialogue; actions; theme or any other appropriate features. 3.From any play, choose one scene or episode which you consider to be laced with tension. Briefly examine the positioning of the scene or episode in the play, and then show how the tension is created. In your answer you must refer closely to the text and to at least two of: plot; dialogue; actions; theme or any other appropriate feature. 4.Choose a play in which a power struggle is central to the action. Explain briefly the circumstances of the power struggle and discuss the extent to which it contributes to your appreciation of theme and/or character in the play as a whole.

Essay Question Consider a play in the course of which one of the major characters changes significantly. Outline the nature of the change, and go on to discuss to what extent the dramatist convinces you that the change is credible and consistent with the play’s theme.

Using the Essay Question Consider a play in the course of which one of the major characters changes significantly. Outline the nature of the change, and go on to discuss to what extent the dramatist convinces you that the change is credible and consistent with the play’s theme “A View from the Bridge” Eddie Carbone Initially, good/unselfish/loyal/well respected/family man; good father figure to Catherine; values family over the law. Destroys relationship with Catherine/becomes overprotective/jealous/obsessed Abandons principles/informs on brothers/Acts out of self-interest change highlights destructive nature of jealousy or consequences of lack of self awareness / Something very powerful required to cause such a change in character and bring about own downfall.

Key Points Initially, Miller characterises Eddie as a loyal and honourable family man who is well respected in the community. However, as Catherine reaches sexual maturity, Eddie’s behaviour begins to changes as he becomes overprotective of Catherine and jealous of the attention she receives from other boys. Furthermore, Eddie’s behaviour changes to become increasingly erratic and out of character in response to Catherine and Rodolpho’s relationship. Finally, Miller highlights the destructive force of jealousy by characterising Eddie as a character who is unrecognisable from that at the beginning of the play and who brings about his own downfall.

Initially, Miller characterises Eddie as a loyal and honourable family man who is well respected in the community. Quotation 1 “He was a good man as he had to be in a life that was hard and even. He worked on the piers when there was work, he brought home his pay, and he lived.” Quotation 2 "A guy do a thing like that? How's he gonna show his face?"

However, as Catherine reaches sexual maturity, Eddie’s behaviour begins to changes as he becomes overprotective of Catherine and jealous of the attention she receives from other boys. Quotation 1 Quotation 2

Furthermore, Eddie’s behaviour changes to become increasingly erratic and out of character in response to Catherine and Rodolpho’s relationship. Quotation 1 Quotation 2

Finally, Miller highlights the destructive force of jealousy by characterising Eddie as a character who is unrecognisable from that at the beginning of the play and who brings about his own downfall. Quotation 1 Quotation 2