The Bridge's Relationship In The Bridge By Arthur Miller
806 Words4 Pages
It is evident early on in the play that the relationship between Eddie, the main protagonist, and Catherine, his niece, is a peculiar one. Arthur Miller presents their bond in a way that would be common and accepted with every father-daughter relationship; he displays it as one of love, support and ambition. Nevertheless, Miller adds undertones of something more amorous and darker in Eddie’s infatuation and lust for Catherine which appears incestuous.
Alfieri seems to fear Eddie becoming an abnormal beast, a remnant of the Greek or Roman tragedy. In the line, “His eyes were like tunnels; my first thought was that he had committed a crime, but soon I saw it was only a passion that had moved into his body, like a stranger”, the playwright portrays…show more content… Until this moment, no one has directly spoken about Eddie’s enamour for Catherine. Although they are evidently known by Beatrice and Alfieri, one has dared to actually tell Eddie what is wrong with him. Nevertheless, even when Eddie realises his demon, the affection for his niece, he is too powerless to prevent it. Eddie pounces forward and attempts to kill Marco. In the moment of Sicilian revenge, Eddie cannot regain any sense or pull himself back. Perhaps the recognition of the sexual taboo causes Eddie to be even more determined to seek revenge or at least find some sort of success or honour in his own death. He does not even have the power to deny Beatrice’s declaration, however instead follows through his destructive path. This moment may bring Eddie out of his lunacy enough to bleed to death and lie in Beatrice’s arms. After he has recognised his sinful love for Catherine, Eddie appears to find himself, which might explain why he is able to partially reconcile his relationship with his wife during his last seconds alive. This scene and quote is gripping and mesmerising and definitely leaves the audience yearning to find out