A View From the Bridge: Writer's Techniques

“A View From the Bridge: Writer’s Techniques”

Characterisation

  • Arthur Miller uses characterisation to present the attributes of each character effectively.
  • The complex character of Eddie Carbone is crafted to show his struggle with his emotions, pride and identity.
  • The writer uses direct and indirect characterisation to convey the personalities of key characters such as Beatrice, Rodolpho, Catherine and Marco.

Dramatic Irony

  • Miller expertly employs dramatic irony in his play to maintain suspense and interest.
  • The audience is aware of Eddie’s feelings towards Catherine much before he himself acknowledges it, creating a sense of impending doom.

Dialogue

  • Miller uses realistic dialogue that reflects the social context of the play and the backgrounds of the characters.
  • The authentic speech patterns and local dialect emphasises the characters’ sense of belonging and identity within the Italian-American community in Brooklyn.

Symbolism

  • The play is also enriched by Miller’s use of symbolism to highlight key themes.
  • The chair-lifting contest between Eddie and Marco symbolises the power dynamics between the two, and the Bridge in the title of the play represents both a literal and figurative connection between the old world (Italy) and the new (America).

Foreshadowing

  • Miller’s use of foreshadowing prepares the audience for the tragic end of the play.
  • Use of Alfieri’s monologues as a narrative technique, In Alfieri’s opening speech, he speaks of impending disaster, setting a sombre mood for the rest of the play.

Setting

  • Miller employs the technique of establishing setting to underline the tension within the Italian-American immigrant community.
  • The small apartment setting signifies the pressure-cooker environment in which the characters live, thus adding to the intensity of the play.

Allegory and Motif

  • The author uses allegorical elements and motifs to further strengthen the narrative.
  • The law and justice systems act as an allegory to the Greek tragedy narrative, and the motifs of lawyer and law further accentuate the shades of tragedy in the play.

Stage Directions

  • Miller’s stage directions are crucial for understanding the characters’ emotions and motivations.
  • They provide insight into the characters’ state of mind and the significance of their actions on the unfolding drama. Articulated stage directions help in rendering the correct picture of the story on stage.