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A View From the Bridge Essay
A View From the Bridge Essay
A View From the Bridge Essay
Critical Essay
Question
Choose a play in which a central character experiences not only inner conflict but also conflict with
one (or more than one) other character.
Explain the nature of both conflicts and discuss which one you consider to be more important in terms
of character development and/or dramatic impact.
(SQA Higher English 2010)
Introduction
Always use the following pattern –
T.A.R.T (Title, Author, Refer to question, Techniques/Themes)
Mention the Title of the play
The Author (in this case the playwright)
Refer to the question, using the exact wording where necessary, to explain
what your essay will be exploring
Specify any particular techniques or themes which you will be examining in
your essay.
REMEMBER – make it clear from the start how you intend to answer the question. Leave
your marker in no doubt that you understand the question and how it is relevant to your text.
Conflict between himself and Rodolpho as his relationship with Catherine develops
His inner conflicted feelings have had an effect on his marriage to Beatrice
Eddie believes Rodolpho is “not right” and seeks help from the law (Alfieri). His
conflicted feelings are clear for Alfieri and he questions his motives.
Conflict becomes physical as Eddie boxes with Rodolpho. This in turn sees a new
conflict arise when Marco challenges Eddie in the chair-lifting competition. (The
climax of the first Act is filled with tension)
The key scene where Eddie kisses Catherine and Rodolpho. The conflict between all
three of these characters (and indeed Eddie’s inner conflict) has spilled over. Even
Catherine becomes physically aggressive towards Eddie.
The inner conflict of Eddie and the theme of honour as he, ironically, goes against his
own beliefs and reports the cousins to immigration. Link back to the Vinny Bolzano
story earlier in the play.
The heightened conflict between Eddie and Marco as he spits in Eddie’s face while
being arrested. The community turn their backs on Eddie.
Eddie’s inner conflict means he is unable to back down. He refuses to attend the
wedding and orders Beatrice to stay at home.
The final dramatic conflict at the end of the play when Eddie and Marco fight. Eddie
is killed by his own knife, symbolic of the fact that he created his own misfortune.
Conclusion
In your conclusion you should sum up your essay by following a similar structure to your
introduction –
T.A.R.T.Y (Title, Author, Refer to Question, Techniques/Themes, Your Opinion)
Follow the TART structure exactly as before (see introduction)
Include your own opinion in relation to the question. In this case, how
important do you personally think the theme of conflict was in the overall
development of Eddie’s character? Which had the greater effect? His inner
conflict or emotions? His physical conflict with Rodolpho and Marco? Which
has the greater knock-on effect to his life and which contributed the most to
his inevitable death?
REMEMBER – Avoid the common clichés like “I really enjoyed this play” or “I think
the play and the character of Eddie were really good”. Your conclusion must round off
your essay by linking it back to the original question.