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Different kinds of love are used by Miller to show how people are bound together throughout their lives. We see examples of romantic love (in this case, between a man and a woman), brotherly love, parental love and finally, forbidden love. Just as Miller has shown that there are different kinds of law and justice, some acceptable and others not, so he shows that there are some acceptable and appropriate kinds of love, while others are totally unacceptable.

How is love shown in the play?

In A View from the Bridge, Miller explores the theme of love in its various forms through:

• Beatrice and Eddie
• Catherine and Rodolpho
• Beatrice and Catherine
• Marco and Rodolpho
• Eddie and Catherine

Beatrice and Eddie

How does Miller show this?

Example 1

Beatrice and Eddie give their opinions about each other and discuss their relationship at various points in the play. They have a strong romantic bond.

Evidence

Now wait a minute, Beatrice! I just don’t want you bein’ pushed around, that’s all. You got too big a heart. (Eddie)

Mmm! You’re an angel! God’ll bless you. You’ll see, you’ll get a blessing for this! (Beatrice)

Analysis

At the beginning of the play we can see that there is a deep love between Eddie and Beatrice. They have been married for a long time and their marriage has survived despite the sorrow of not having their own children.

Example 2

Near the end of the play, Eddie forces Beatrice to choose between him and Catherine when he forbids her to attend the wedding.

Evidence

Now go, go to your wedding, Katie, I’ll stay home. (Beatrice)

Listen to me, I love you, I’m talking to you, I love you. (Beatrice)

Analysis

Beatrice chooses to stay with Eddie because her love for him is so strong. He has hurt her deeply but she ignores this. It is a good model for Catherine at the start of her married life.

Catherine and Rodolpho

How does Miller show this?

Example 1

Catherine and Rodolpho’s relationship is shown from its earliest stage. By the end of the play the audience is in no doubt about their romantic feelings for each other.

Evidence

You married too? No. (Catherine)

He loves me! (Catherine)

Analysis

Catherine is instantly attracted to Rodolpho and wants to make sure that he is single.

Example 2

They flirt with each other.

Evidence

Analysis

The audience can see that their relationship is moving forward, and that they are equally in love.

Example 3

Eventually they have sex for the first time.

Evidence

Analysis

In the 1950s, especially among young Italian Catholics, it would have been likely that both Rodolpho and Catherine had never had sex before. They are therefore shown to be truly committed to each other.

Beatrice and Catherine

How does Miller show this?

Beatrice is the only mother that Catherine has ever known. Beatrice has a maternal love for her niece but realises that it is time for her to leave.

Evidence

That’s why I was so happy you were going to go out and get work, you wouldn’t be here so much, you’d be a little more independent. I mean it. It’s wonderful for a whole family to love each other, but you’re a grown woman and you’re in the same house with a grown man. So you’ll act different now, heh?

Analysis

Beatrice gently but firmly tells Catherine that she has to become more independent and behave more appropriately around Eddie. This is the advice you would expect a mother to give her child because it is rooted in her love for her.

Marco and Rodolpho

How does Miller show this?

Example 1

Marco and Rodolpho have a fraternal bond. Marco is the older brother and tends to look out for Rodolpho. He is also proud of him.

Evidence

[Marco puts an arm around Rodolpho and they laugh.]

Sure, very good cook. Rice, pasta, fish, everything. (Marco)

Analysis

The stage directions show their affection. Miller presents them as men who are seeking a better life. Marco is weighed down with responsibility but he feels that he can start to support his family in Sicily even though he must make the sacrifice of not seeing them for possibly several years. Rodolpho is young and carefree, but Marco does not envy him. This shows how strong his love for Rodolpho is.

Example 2

At the end, when Marco knows he will have to go back to Sicily, the stage directions are significant.

Evidence

Well – we did something.[He lays a palm on Rodolpho’s arm and Rodolpho covers it.] (Marco)

Analysis

Even though Marco’s time in America ended too soon, he is happy that Rodolpho will be able to fulfil his dreams. Rodolpho’s love for his brother is also evident here.

Forbidden love

How does Miller show this?

Example 1

Eddie’s growing obsession with Catherine causes his downfall.

Evidence

Listen, you been givin’ me the willies the way you walk down the street, I mean it. (Eddie)

With your hair that way you look like a madonna, you know that? You’re the madonna type. (Eddie)

Analysis

These are not really the sort of comments you would expect a father, or father-figure, to make to his daughter.

Example 2

Eddie’s feelings are affecting his marriage.

Evidence

When am I gonna be a wife again, Eddie? (Beatrice)

Analysis

He is unwilling or unable to have sex with Beatrice because of his feelings for Catherine.

Example 3

Alfieri sees the situation.

Evidence

Eddie, I want you to listen to me. You know, sometimes God mixes up the people. We all love somebody, the wife, the kids – every man’s got somebody that he loves, heh? But sometimes ... there’s too much. You know? There’s too much, and it goes where it mustn’t. (Alfieri)

Analysis

Miller uses Alfieri and Beatrice to show Eddie’s feelings for Catherine. Alfieri tries to explain gently to Eddie, but is ignored.

Example 4

Beatrice also sees the situation.

Evidence

You want somethin’ else, Eddie, and you can never have her! (Beatrice)

Analysis

When Beatrice says this to Eddie, he is shocked, horrified because he has never analysed his feelings before.

Analysing the evidence