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Starter Activity. How is the theme of ‘ tragedy ’ relevant to the play? Write one idea on a post-it and stick on the board. Essay Title: To what extent can Eddie Carbone in A View from the Bridge be considered a tragic hero?. Greek Tragedy. Prologue
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Starter Activity How is the theme of ‘tragedy’ relevant to the play? Write one idea on a post-it and stick on the board.
Essay Title: To what extent can Eddie Carbone in A View from the Bridge be considered a tragic hero?
Greek Tragedy Prologue Greek tragedies often contain a prologue, where an individual character gives background information to the audience, which allows them to understand the context of the upcoming drama. Tragic Hero In ancient tragedies, the main character (the protagonist) usually has a tragic flaw (which often brings about their own downfall). Their downfall often brings the audience to feel pity or fear. Often, the actions of a tragic hero affects their whole community. Does anyone know what a Greek tragedy entails?
We are going to be working on an exam question. ‘I believe that the common man is as apt a subject for tragedy in its highest sense as kings were.’ (Arthur Miller) To what extent can Eddie Carbone in A View from the Bridge be considered a tragic hero? The key word is EXTENT How far does Miller give Eddie the characteristics of a typical tragic hero? How far does he place Eddie in a play that fits the conventions of tragedy?
Step by step You are going to write an essay response to this question. There is a basic planning sheet to use to help you prepare your answer. This essay will need to be completed over Easter.
1)Introduction:What is a tragic hero? What do you understand is traditionally expected of this type of character? How does Eddie match these expectations? What might prompt Miller to claim he provides appropriate subject matter for tragedy?
2) Staging of the play • How might the stage appear to the audience at the beginning of the play? • Is this the setting we would usually expect for tragedy? • What might the audience expect from such a setting?
3) Alfieri’s role • What is Alfieri’s role in the play (link this to Tragedy)? • How does he embody this role? • Look at the opening of the play. What is the effect of his introduction? • How does his role support the idea of Eddie being a tragic hero?
4) Eddie’s heroic actions • In what ways is Eddie a tragic hero? • Which of his actions are heroic? Why? • Does he match the traditional view of a hero? Why / why not?
5) Tragic Flaw • What is Eddie’s tragic flaw? • Which of his actions are not heroic? • How does the audience respond to him at these moments?
6) Honour Honour is an important theme in the play as a whole. • Find two sections that you think show the importance of honour to Eddie. • How would the audience feel towards Eddie at these points?
7) Outcome of the play • Is the outcome of the play inevitable? • How important is ‘fate’ in the outcome of the play? • What elements lead to Eddie’s downfall?
8) Eddie’s suitability Is Eddie a suitable tragic hero?
What have you achieved? You should now have a clear understanding of the play and Eddie’s character. You are now going to complete this question and finish it for homework.
