"A View from The Bridge": Exploring The Role of Alfieri

Introduction

In the late 1940s, Arthur Miller penned the iconic play, "A View from the Bridge", drawing inspiration from the Italian immigration community at the Brooklyn docks. This work, akin to a Greek tragedy, introduces Alfieri as the chorus, offering a unique perspective on the tragic descent of Eddie, ensnared by the corrupt Italian-American society. This essay explores the pivotal role of Alfieri in Miller's play, highlighting how he serves as a bridge between the old and new worlds, shaping our understanding of the characters and the complex dynamics at play in this gritty tale.

Alfieri as the Chorus: A Greek Tragic Structure

Miller strategically positions Alfieri as the chorus within the framework of Aristotle's classic tragic structure. In this scheme, the protagonist, Eddie in this case, grapples with a "tragic flaw" that precipitates their downfall. Alfieri's presence is crucial because he serves as a conduit for the audience, providing insights into the characters' inner thoughts and the unfolding narrative. This aligns with Aristotle's assertion that the chorus should be an integral part of the play, enhancing the audience's comprehension of the story.

Alfieri's initial encounter with Eddie, characterized by his description of Eddie's "eyes like tunnels," alludes to the protagonist's tunnel-visioned obsession with Catherine and his own dignity. Through Alfieri, the audience gains a deeper understanding of Eddie's irrationality and inner turmoil. Alfieri acts as the bridge between the play's world and the audience, enabling us to empathize with Eddie's tragic character.

A Modern Take on Greek Tragedy: Alfieri's Dynamic Presence

Miller's desire for a modern interpretation of Greek tragedy becomes evident as Alfieri's role transcends that of a traditional chorus. Unlike the conventional chorus, Alfieri actively engages with other characters and becomes an integral part of the narrative. This metafictional approach, akin to John Fowles' "The French Lieutenant's Woman," allows Alfieri to communicate directly with the characters, gaining insight into their motives and thoughts, which he subsequently shares with the audience. This fulfills Aristotle's vision of the chorus as an actor within the play.

Furthermore, Alfieri's dynamic presence allows him to not only comment on the unfolding events but also to influence them. In Act One, he attempts to dissuade Eddie from pursuing legal action against his wife's cousins, Marco and Rodolpho, who have arrived from Italy. Alfieri recognizes the potential consequences of involving the authorities, both for the immigrants facing deportation and for Eddie himself, who risks alienation from his community. However, Eddie remains resolute, highlighting the character's tragic flaw—his stubbornness and inability to accept the changing dynamics within his household. Alfieri's direct involvement in trying to prevent the impending tragedy underscores his role as a mediator between the characters and the audience.

Alfieri's Ambivalence: Catalyst or Victim?

Throughout the play, Alfieri grapples with Eddie's character, oscillating between portraying him as the instigator of his own tragic fall and a victim of societal norms. Alfieri's introduction of scenes often revolves around Eddie's actions, potentially leading the audience to perceive him as incestuous, homophobic, and obsessed with Catherine. However, Alfieri's statement that Eddie's passion is "like a stranger" hints at Eddie's inner conflict and suggests that he is not purely malevolent.

Alfieri's inability to prevent Eddie from calling the Immigration Bureau highlights his powerlessness in the face of social codes and customs. This powerlessness underscores the impact of societal norms and the consequences they bear. Miller may intend for the audience to shed their prejudices and recognize the destructive influence of loyalty, violence, and identity within the story.

Moreover, Alfieri's ambivalence extends to his role as a bridge between the old Italian customs and the evolving American society. He acknowledges the complexities of maintaining cultural traditions in a rapidly changing world. His experiences as a lawyer dealing with the Italian immigrant community provide him with unique insights into the clash between these two worlds. Alfieri serves as a representation of the Italian-American experience, torn between preserving the old ways and adapting to the new.

Justice and the Law: Alfieri's Multifaceted Perspective

As a lawyer, Alfieri raises the themes of justice and the law, emphasizing their complex interplay in the Brooklyn community. He acknowledges the existence of various forms of law, including moral, ethnic, social, traditional, Italian, and American. Alfieri's commentary on the unfriendliness of the law in Sicily and his reference to gangsters like Al Capone and Frankie Yale reveal the prevalence of a Mafia code of justice rooted in loyalty and revenge.

Alfieri's interactions with Marco further illustrate the clash between civil law and Sicilian-American moral codes. Marco's vengeful actions stem from a strict adherence to Sicilian customs, highlighting the intricacies of justice within this community.

Furthermore, Alfieri grapples with the question of whether Eddie's actions are justified by his own sense of justice. Eddie's desperate attempts to prevent Catherine from marrying Rodolpho, whom he views as a threat, lead him to betray Marco and Rodolpho to immigration authorities. Alfieri serves as a moral compass, attempting to navigate the ethical dilemmas arising from Eddie's actions.

Conclusion

In Arthur Miller's "A View from the Bridge," Alfieri's multifaceted role as the chorus, modern narrator, mediator, and cultural interpreter enriches the narrative and our understanding of its characters. Alfieri's ambivalence toward Eddie and his ultimate powerlessness serve as a commentary on the complexities of societal norms and their consequences. Through Alfieri, Miller invites the audience to delve into the depths of morality, identity, and justice, leaving us with a profound sense of unease and contemplation long after the curtains close. Alfieri remains a testament to Miller's ability to craft complex characters who embody the intricate tapestry of human experience.

References

1. Miller, A. (1955). A View from the Bridge. Viking Press.
2. Aristotle. (2000). Poetics (S. H. Butcher, Trans.). Kessinger Publishing.
3. Fowles, J. (1969). The French Lieutenant's Woman. Little, Brown and Company.
4. Capone, A. (1974). My Life in Crime. Da Capo Press.
5. Yale, F. (2012). Memoirs of a Murder Man. Pickle Partners Publishing.
6. White, L. M. (2011). Law, Lawyers, and Popular Culture: Misconceptions and Prejudice. Springer.
7. Venturi, G. (2000). Mafia Brotherhoods: Organized Crime, Italian Style. Oxford University Press.