1. Language Analysis - Alfieri
“I’m only a lawyer, Eddie”
“Eddie, look – I have my own children. I understand you”
“There’s too much, and it goes where it mustn’t. A man works hard, he brings up a child, and he never realizes it, but through the years – there is too much love for the daughter, there is too much love for the niece”
“When the law is wrong its because its unnatural, but in this case it is natural and a river will drown you if you buck it now. Let her go”

2. Analysis
Alfieri is making it clear to Eddie that he is only a witness or “A View from the Bridge” as well as a lawyer who is uniformly committed to obeying the law and operating within its boundaries.
Alfieri attempts to comfort Eddie by mentioning his own children so he (Eddie) can see that he is not the only one with troubles.
Alfieri informs Eddie on what he is doing to his daughter (Catherine) and suggests that it is time for the child to leave home and be free. He is trying to tell Eddie that he should let go of his emotions towards Catherine and release her.
Alfieri tries to reason against Eddie’s proposal to call the Immigration Bureau and reveal Marco & Rodolpho’s illegal identities by explaining how the relationship between Rodolpho and Catherine has matured – it is following the natural course of life – and Eddie’s plan will disrupt the natural course of life like a hand going the opposite direction of the fast flowing river.