We thought again about writing critical essays – about how you must answer the question by using the SECT procedure – or something like it.You have a new literature (“critical”) essay for homework:
Consider carefully the ending of a novel you know well.
Discuss in what ways the author has prepared for the ending in the earlier part of the novel.
You could write this essay by concentrating on the structure of the novel – the two station scenes – and how the theme of trust is seen very differently in each of them. You would obviously have to deal with some of the bits in between as you did this, but you would try to pick out the bits that are relevant to both, ie you’d need to discuss the characterisation of Barnaby and Sophia and some related matters.
You might also want to bring in other themes, eg change/families/etc.
You might like to bring in some symbols, eg the Twinform and the importance of money.
You would need, I think, to deal briefly with the Renascence School, so that you could bring in the earlier mention of the sonnet (“When in disgrace”) and then the importance of the sonnet on the last page. This could also be seen as part of the structure – preparing the reader to understand his sudden realisation that he may love Martine.
Remember to SECT! Critical essays should be about 700 words.
We then began to read “A View from the Bridge” (please buy this if you haven’t yet done so) and got to page 33 (in the Penguin edition – where Rodolpho first sings).We noticed the emphasis, in this play about Italians, on the themes of justice and honour.
We also observed that Alfieri, the lawyer who’s also a narrator, makes a clear link between the way that people end up behaving in this play and the way they used to behave in Ancient Rome
or Greece.
Most of the time we “settle for half”, he says – unlike in the days of Al Capone, the gangster. But just occasionally – we don’t.
And that’s when things “run their bloody course”. He makes it clear that this play isn’t going to end well: it’s as if it’s already happened and he’s just showing it to us.
We notice Eddie’s extreme protectiveness of his niece Catherine – normal fatherly feelings or a bit over the top? – and the slight tension between Eddie and his wife Beatrice. Beatrice’s cousins arrive and Eddie gets stressed when Rodolpho sings. Is this because he’s nervous about the noise, or is Eddie anxious that Catherine seems to be interested in Rodolpho? Would any man want his almost-daughter to get involved with an illegal immigrant?
We also observed that Alfieri, the lawyer who’s also a narrator, makes a clear link between the way that people end up behaving in this play and the way they used to behave in Ancient Rome
or Greece.
Most of the time we “settle for half”, he says – unlike in the days of Al Capone, the gangster. But just occasionally – we don’t.
And that’s when things “run their bloody course”. He makes it clear that this play isn’t going to end well: it’s as if it’s already happened and he’s just showing it to us.We notice Eddie’s extreme protectiveness of his niece Catherine – normal fatherly feelings or a bit over the top? – and the slight tension between Eddie and his wife Beatrice. Beatrice’s cousins arrive and Eddie gets stressed when Rodolpho sings. Is this because he’s nervous about the noise, or is Eddie anxious that Catherine seems to be interested in Rodolpho? Would any man want his almost-daughter to get involved with an illegal immigrant?
This is Rodolpho's song. Listen to it. Why did Arthur Miller choose it?
4 comments:
i think with the temtion between eddie and his wife as well as seeing how he reacts to katie that its more than just fatherly. i liked this vertion of paper doll Michael Bublé stuff is normaly rubbish. I think its been chosien becuase its romantic and could be compaired to roudolfos feelings about girls. I think eddie does over react im sure at somepoint kate playes her music relitivly loud and sings along. I dont think the noice was the issue.
as for any father whanting his daughter to be with an illegal imagrent, i dont think any man is good enough for "daddys girl" i tihnk men know what other men are like and are protective over their daughters. Also other cultures do things diffrently this might be a little worrying for a father apart from the implications if the imagrent is caught.
Eddie's overprotectiveness is beyond the realms of fatherly feelings for Catherine. This is also probably the reason for the tension between Eddie and Beatrice. She sees that he isn't interested in her anymore, although whether she realises the object of his affections is their niece is unclear at this stage.
Eddie's concern over Rodolpho's singing is primarily because Catherine seems interested in him. The concern over the noise levels is justified, but it is not the true reason for his reaction.
Any father would be especially cautious of any man who his daughter showed interest in, and the fact he is an illegal immigrant further emphasises this. However, Eddie's feelings stem more from jealousy - he wants Catherine for himself - than from fatherly concern.
Miller chose the song because the lyrics fit Eddie's feelings. He wants Catherine to be his "paper doll", someone other men cannot take away from him.
I HAVE READ IT!!!
I also apologise in advance, I have unfortunately been unable to complete the essay! Sorry! However, I have improved my previous one by attempting to use SECT with the quotes etc.
i have done part of the eesay but its rubbish, so im going to start again meaning it will be late.
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