Introduction
Plot & Action
Plot summary: What happens in A View from the Bridge
Revision activity, Act One Part One (pp. 3 –22), Part Two (pp. 22–35), Part Three (pp. 35–42), Act Two Part One (pp. 43–58), Part Two (pp. 58–64)Act One, Part 1: The Carbones await the arrival of the Italians (pp. 3–8)
Summary, Why is this important?, The setting, Characters – Alfieri, Eddie Carbone, Beatrice and Catherine, Examiner's tip: Writing about illegal immigrantsAct One, Part 2: Eddie objects to Catherine leaving (pp. 9–15)
Summary, Why is this important?, Eddie and Catherine – a contrast, The story of Vinny Bolzano, Examiner's tip: Writing about Beatrice's function in this sectionAct One, Part 3: The Italians arrive (pp. 15–22)
Summary, Why is this important?, Law and justice in A View from the Bridge, The relationship between Catherine and Rodolfo begins, Examiner's tip:Act One, Part 4: Eddie’s hostility towards Rodolfo grows (pp. 22–35)
Summary, Why is this important?, Eddie’s hostility increases, Eddie’s frustration, Examiner's tip:Act One, Part 5: Marco confronts Eddie (pp. 35–42)
Summary, Why is this important?, Trial of strength, Examiner's tip:Act Two, Part 1: Eddie tells Rodolfo to leave(pp. 43–8)
Summary, Why is this important?, The relationship between Catherine and Rodolfo, The catalyst, Examiner's tip:Act Two, Part 2: Alfieri sees that Eddie has lost control (pp. 48–9)
Summary, Why is this important?, Alfieri’s function, Examiner's tip: Writing about the use of languageAct Two, Part 3: Eddie betrays Marco and Rodolfo (pp. 50–8)
Summary, Why is this important?, Catherine shows her strength, Loss of respect, Examiner's tip: Writing about dramatic structureAct Two, Part 4: Marco agrees not to take revenge (pp. 58–60)
Summary, Why is this important?, Building tension, Honour and justice, Examiner's tip: Writing about Alfieri the characterCharacters
Beatrice
Who is Beatrice?, What does Beatrice do in the play?, How is Beatrice’s character revealed?, Examiner's tip:Eddie
Who is Eddie?, What does Eddie do in the play?, How is Eddie’s character revealed?, Examiner's tip: Writing about EddieCatherine
Who is Catherine?, What does Catherine do in the play?, How is Catherine’s character revealed?, Examiner's tip: Writing about CatherineMarco
Who is Marco?, What does Marco do in the play?, How is Marco’s character revealed?, Examiner's tip: Writing about MarcoRodolfo
Who is Rodolfo?, What does Rodolfo do in the play?, How is Rodolfo’s character revealed?, Examiner's tip: Writing about RodolfoKey Contexts & Themes
Key contexts
The author: Arthur Miller, Personal experiences, Setting and place, Ordinary lives, Examiner's tip: Writing about backgroundLanguage & Structure
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