Masculinity in a View from a Bridge

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Masculinity The term ‘masculine’ has no fixed definition for people because it can be interpreted in different ways. Masculinity could be seen as being socially powerful, physically aggressive, being independent or protective. These different masculine properties are seen in the characters of ‘A View from the Bridge’ and it is up to the audience to define who is the most masculine. Perceptions of masculinity have changed according to time, locale and class. In past generations people viewed masculinity differently, perhaps the most masculine was the one who earned and provided for the family, if the family was poor. Or the most masculine was the most gentlemanly, if the family was of high class. Miller introduces and relays the theme of masculinity throughout the play due to the fact that this yearning to be the most masculine is a major factor in the demise of the protagonist, Eddie. The protagonist competes against the other male characters to be the most masculine, in control and powerful. However, this backfires on him and ironically he is the one that ends up being the least masculine. Eddie’s masculinity is presented by Miller throughout the whole play. At the beginning of the play, Eddie’s loyalty is revealed when he is telling Catherine that she can’t tell anybody about the illegal immigrants and that “it never comes out of your mouth who they are or what they’re doing here”. This shows his loyalty to his family and reveals that he protects his family when he believes he needs to. It shows his control and how he exerts his authority over women and commands them. This shows his masculinity, which is made known when he uses the imperative, “never”. He says the words, “your mouth” which shows he never doubts his loyalty to his family and it is as if he is saying the warning but it doesn’t relate to him as he is more powerful. However, it is ironic
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