A View from the Bridge Essay -- English Literature

A View from the Bridge. 'Justice is very important here' is spoken by Alfieri in his opening speech. Alfieri is a lawyer representing the official legal system of America. He also acts as a narrator, commentator who is almost like a bystander watching the events but remains powerless to have any impact on them. This is very similar to the chorus, featured in tragedies from ancient Greek playwright, who are a group of on lookers watching and commenting on events but are unable to act upon any of the incidents. Alfieri describes his neighbourhood of Red Hook as a 'slum' area of Brooklyn inhabited by Italians, who bring to America their own sense of justice which they find outside the law. This is because the law can not dispense total justice. Justice is one of the main themes in the play because all the characters feel some sense of injustice for one reason or another for example Eddie, the main character endures the greatest sense of injustice none of which can be solved by the law. Most characters in 'A View from the Bridge' are poor and have to struggle which in itself is a form of social injustice which radiates unfair exploitation of dock workers. They all have an innate sense of injustice. Each house hold has only one of everything for example the 'tablecloth' mentioned at the beginning of Act I, Beatrice wanted the house to be perfect for when the guests arrived and she needed a new table cloth. All the shops where closed so Catherine suggested 'Mrs Dondero upstairs' may be able to lend them hers but it was obvious from Beatrice's reply that it had seen better days. It becomes apparent their poverty stricken neighbourhood was located near the docks when Beatrice said 'I smelled coffee all day today... ...an do is give advice and hope that it will be used. It is extremely important he does what is right because of his key position. It becomes apparent at the end of the play that Alfieri has some compassion and veneration towards Eddie as he 'allowed himself to be wholly known' Alfieri places events within the drama in context and explains conflicts related to the play which occurred in Italian history. He knows the law is incapable of satisfying everybody and that it contains many boundaries. Alfieri is able to reflect on matters and diffuse widespread concepts. The Immigration Officers are direct and uncompromising the law is the law and this transcends any patriotic feelings. The officers speak Italian, 'andiamo, andiamo' which may mean they have Italian connections, but this Italian background does not affect them as they are there to do their job.