A View From the Bridge: Scene Summaries

Act 1 - Introduction of Characters and Setting

The play opens in the home of Eddie Carbone, a longshoreman in Brooklyn, New York. He lives with his wife Beatrice and her niece Catherine, whom he has raised as his own daughter.
Beatrice’s cousins, Rodolpho and Marco, arrive from Italy illegally in hopes of finding work. Eddie initially welcomes them but grows suspicious of Rodolpho and Catherine’s blossoming relationship.

Act 1 - The Growing Tension

Eddie starts to feel threatened by Rodolpho, suspecting him of being effeminate (“Blonde” or “Paper Doll”). He questions Rodolpho’s intentions for Catherine, showing his deeprooted possessiveness.
Despite Beatrice trying to intervene, Eddie informs immigration about his illegal guests, a serious breach of the community’s code of honour.

Act 2 - The Climax

In the tense dinner scene, Eddie kisses Catherine and Rodolpho, in a desperate attempt to demean Rodolpho and reclaim his authority over Catherine. This exposes the abnormal affection Eddie has for Catherine and implies his latent homosexual feelings.
To put an end to increasing hostility, Catherine decides to marry Rodolpho.

Act 2 - The Tragic Resolution

Marco, seeking justice for Eddie’s betrayal, confronts him in a public face-off. Eddie, blinded by pride and denial of his true feelings for Catherine, demands to restore his shattered reputation.
Marco, fueled by anger, stabs Eddie, leading to Eddie’s tragic death in Beatrice’s arms. The chorus character Alfieri closes the play reflecting on the inevitable tragic result of Eddie’s choices.

Major Themes to Consider:

Some crucial themes touched upon in the play include immigration, the American Dream, masculinity, love and obsession, justice and law, community and identity, and tragedies. Understanding these themes and their development will help construct a well-rounded essay on the play.