'A View from the Bridge' by Arthur Miller is a modern version of a Greek tragedy . Instead of a King or Hero being damaged by their 'fatal flaw', Miller wants us to see that the downfall of an ordinary man is just as painful. Eddie Carbone's journey from 'an angel' to a 'rat' like Vinnie Bolzano is Miller's way of showing how denying your fatal flaw can only lead to one outcome: tragedy. Miller is successful in leading the audience through Eddie's flaw of his rising 'passion' , clearly showing the audience the tragic impact on his wife, his family and ultimately his whole community. He does this through his skillful use of a variety of dramatic techniques, enabling us to reflect on our ourselves and our own relationships.
The initial view of Eddie's flaw is from Alfieri – the metaphorical 'Bridge' between the Italian and American community. He reveals that even from the beginning he could see signs of Eddie's fatal flaw that hinted at the tragedy to come. His mention of having to watch events 'run [their] bloody course' hints at the tragic outcome even from the beginning. Eddie's desire to keep Catherine at home is our initial introduction to the way that through his flaw he is alienating his wife, Beatrice. Eddie's controlling ways – commenting on Catherine 'walkin' wavy' and her short skirt symbolize his growing discomfort at the fact that she is growing up and getting ready to 'fly the nest' . This determination to keep Catherine isolated from society is one of the things that exposes Eddie's flaw to the audience: the tragedy occurs because he himself is blind to what is happening. Eddie's flaw almost costs Catherine her freedom and the man she loves.
Miller also uses his relationship with his wife, Beatrice to expose Eddie's lack of awareness of the consequences of his flaw. The abrupt way that he deals with Beatrice asking when she is going to 'be a wife again' shows that he alone wishes to deal with the 'passion' that had 'moved into his body like a stranger'.