Relations between Eddie and Catherine in the play “A View from the Bridge” by Arthur Miller are a typical example of a dysfunctional bond. Eddie guides Catherine and wants to protect her; however, at the same time, he also has passionate feelings for her, which can be viewed as inappropriate ones. Catherine, in her turn, does not understand his real attitude to her and is shocked by the idea that this can happen in real life:
She is at the edge of tears, as though a familiar world had shattered (Miller 39)
The line shows that the heroine remains unaware of the problems that might emerge because of these feelings. Thus, the dysfunctionality of this bond comes from the impossibility of their relations. Eddie is married, and Catherine is his nephew, which means that his confession will bring multiple suffering to all people surrounding him, including his wife, who already knows about it:
- Beatrice: You want somethin’ else, Eddie, and you can never have her! (Miller 77)
- In such a way, Eddie and Catherine’s relations are dysfunctional, and they can destroy their world and hurt people surrounding them.
- If they evolve, both heroes will not be happy. As any dysfunctional relations, this bond cannot provide satisfaction to Eddie and Catherine. He possesses too much control over the girl:
- Eddie: Do me a favor, will you? Go ahead. (Miller 6)
The line shows that he is free to ask Catherine to wear things he wants, to behave in ways he prefers, and remain obedient to him. In such a way, the best possible solution for the couple is to end these relations, separate, and move forward. Catherine should have tried moving to another city and building a new life there. In such a way, their characters show that dysfunctional relations are too dangerous and they possess a destructive nature.
Works Cited
Miller, Arthur. “A View from the Bridge.” Parkview Theatre. Web.