Alfieri: ‘A lawyer means the law…’

Explore the significance of different kinds of law in the play.

A View From a Bridge is a play by Arthur Miller written and set in the mid 1950’s
about a family of Italian descent. The name A View From a Bridge signifies how
Alfieri, the Chorus, the lawyer, opinions is from the richer and more educated
side of the Brooklyn Bridge he was of Italian extract but educated in America and
therefore is the view from the bridge. The play follows the story of Eddie’s
downfall, the main protagonist, and the tragic hero whose hamartia is his
perverse love for his 17-year-old niece, Catherine, who he and his wife Beatrice
brought up by him and his wife Beatrice. Miller explained that he wished to write
about the tragedy of the common man opposed rather this play follows the style
of a Greek Tragedy. This essay will discuss Millers’ use of Italian, American and
societal law and their impact this has on society.

Alfieri representing the Greek Chorus opens the play with reference to law “I am
a lawyer,” he references that the Italian community was heavily connected with
crimes as he references gangstas like “Al Capone” and many “were justly shot by
unjust men.” showing that justice was very important in the Italian Community.
Justice was dispensed by breaking the law, later Marco proclaims that the “the
law is not a book.” However, he demonstrates that the narrative will evolve in
Red Hook not in Sicily. He moments that “we are quite civilized, quite American,”
The word “quite” Now we settle for half” this shows how Red Hook is safer as
there is no violence anymore. Despite this “every few years there is still a case”
which is problematic for him and he feels “powerless”. This particular case, that
of Eddie Carbone has a timeless quality.

In Red Hook whilst it is unlucky “to meet a lawyer or a priest on the streets”
However, people respect Alfieri and “nod” at him as he passes. This shows that
whilst people associate Alfieri with the bad side of law they still respect him. This
is because the Italian immigrant society of Red Hook highly valued the system
law and justice system. The fact that Eddie then goes to meet with, and talk to
“Mr. Alfieri,” conveys that something is going wrong and he needs help and fix
something by using the American system of law, showing that family law and
community law are valued more highly in Red Hook. This is ironic because Eddie
is harbors “submarines,” in his house. Eddie goes to seek the help of the law
twice and both times. Alfieri explains to Eddie there is “nothing illegal about a
girl falling in love with an immigrant.” Furthermore, he adds, “he is a lawyer I can
only deal with whats provable.” After Eddie’s second visit Alfieri knows that
Eddie and Marco will do what deep down there code of honor requires.

The community sometimes took the law into their own hands when there was
betrayal, Eddie warns Catherine and Beatrice what happens to a snitch in Red
Hook by telling them the story of “Vinny Bolonzo.” A fourteen-year-old boy who
“snitched – On his own uncle!” The use of the exclamation mark highlights
Catherine’s shock and negative excitement about the story the whole community
voluntarily shuns the boy and socially excludes him. Community law is of the
highest value to the Italian immigrant society, as they often felt separated by
culture, language and money from the Americans. The fact that Eddie tells the
story of “Vinnie Bolonzo” is ironic and foreshadows Eddie’s snitch on Marco and
Rodolfo. In the play there is a conflict between community and American law,
Eddie turns on his community wherein the community abides by Sicilian
Alfieri: ‘A lawyer means the law…’
Explore the significance of different kinds of law in the play.
customs where there protect the “submarines.” Eddie had a strong allegiance to
his community but reverted to another Sicilian custom - revenge. In the end
Eddie is drawn to the community law of revenge. However, by the act of
“snitching” he looses respect of the community, his name and honor.

Alfieri is the representative of justice in the play and he tells Marco “only God
makes justice,” trying to prevent Marco from taking the law into his own hands.
In addition, the Carbone household upholds the law of God. Beatrice says, “God
forbid,” with reference to the Vinny Bolonzo story showing she believes in the
Divine Presence and the law of God. Moreover, Alfieri tells Eddie that “sometimes
God mixes up the people” in reference to Eddie’s love for Catherine and
continues he “mustn’t” love Catherine showing that Alfieri’s intentions are
against what God intended and are not correct. Miller wrote the play at the time
of the McCarthy trials wherein the political forces caused men to inform on one
another.

In conclusion, throughout A View From The Bridge there are three main and
significant laws; The Law of Community, The Law of the United States and the
Law of God.