Table of ContentsIntroduction“A View from the Bridge”: Masculinity and Gender RolesConclusionIntroductionIn “A View from the Bridge” by Arthur Miller, the Eddie Carbone's character serves as a compelling study of masculinity and honor in a patriarchal society. Eddie's rigid adherence to traditional gender roles and his obsession with maintaining his perceived masculinity are the source of the conflicts that unfold throughout the play. This essay delves into Eddie's character, his attitudes toward masculinity, and the consequences of his actions, highlighting broader themes than honor, loyalty, and societal expectations. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the Original Essay “A View From The Bridge”: Masculinity and Gender RolesSet in the 1950s, in a patriarchal society, “A View From The Bridge” depicts a world where gender roles are strictly defined and enforced. Eddie Carbone embodies the traditional view of masculinity, believing that a man should be the breadwinner, head of the family and physically strong. When Eddie first meets Marco, an immigrant, he admires Marco's strength and work ethic, praising him for his ability to single-handedly load the ship. This admiration highlights Eddie's emphasis on physical prowess as a crucial aspect of masculinity. Additionally, Eddie's notion of masculinity extends beyond physical strength to encompass qualities such as loyalty and honor. In the tight-knit community of Red Hook, where the play is set, loyalty is highly valued and there is an unwritten code of honor that dictates the interactions among its members. Eddie's protectiveness of his niece, Catherine, stems from his desire to defend his family's honor and reputation. His discomfort with Catherine's emerging femininity and her interactions with other men reflects her fear of losing control and her perceived authority as head of the household. However, Eddie's rigid adherence to traditional masculinity becomes problematic when he is confronted with individuals who do not conform to his narrow demands. definition of virility. When Catherine becomes romantically involved with Rodolpho, an immigrant who challenges traditional gender roles by displaying feminine qualities such as cooking and singing, Eddie's fragile sense of masculinity is threatened. He perceives Rodolpho as a threat to his dominance and reacts with hostility and aggression. Eddie's disparaging remarks about Rodolpho's appearance and talents reflect his discomfort with anything that challenges his traditional notions of masculinity. The conflict between Eddie and Rodolpho escalates as Eddie attempts to assert his dominance through physical violence. He challenges Rodolpho to a boxing match, intending to prove his superiority and undermine Rodolpho's masculinity. However, when Rodolpho fails to fight back, Eddie's frustration and insecurity boil over, leading to a violent confrontation that culminates in Eddie kissing Rodolpho in an attempt to emasculate him. This scene not only highlights Eddie's deep-seated insecurities, but also highlights the destructive consequences of rigid gender roles and toxic masculinity. honor and masculinity. In a moment of despair and rage, Eddie ignores family loyalty and community ties in a misguided attempt to regain control and assert his dominance. However, his actions ultimately lead to his downfall, as he is ostracized by the community and condemned by Marco, whose own sense of honor compels him to seek revenge on., 24(3), 15-29.