Characters – WJECEddie Carbone - evidence from the text

Sentimental

How is Eddie like this?

Eddie comes close to tears several times in the play, shown by the stage directions, as well as in his speech.

Evidence

[With a sense of her childhood, her babyhood, and the years:]

[… for a powerful emotion is on him, a childish one and a knowing fear, and the tears show in his eyes–]

I guess I just never figured on one thing […] that you would grow up.

Analysis

Eddie is a naturally passionate man. He does not see, although it is clear to the audience, that his fatherly feelings for Catherine have recently changed into romantic ones. He genuinely wants the best for her and is sad that he is losing his influence over her.

Jealous

How is Eddie like this?

Beatrice accuses him of being jealous, and warns him not to interfere in Catherine and Rodolpho’s relationship.

Evidence

I ain’t starting nothin’, but I ain’t gonna stand around lookin’ at that. For that character I didn’t bring her up.

Analysis

Eddie states that he will not allow somebody unsuitable to have a relationship with Catherine. He seems to consider Catherine as his posession.

A family man

How is Eddie like this?

Eddie is, at heart, a simple man who loves to be at home with his wife and niece.

Evidence

I’ll settle for my own bed.

I ain’t been feelin’ good. They bother me since they came.

It’s just I used to come home, you was always there. Now, I turn around, you’re a big girl. I don’t know how to talk to you.

Analysis

Eddie does not want anything to change, and it is only when the outside world begins to intrude that he reacts in such an extraordinary way.

Social and historical context

Miller shows his respect and affection for the ‘man in the street’, the average man, through his portrayal of Eddie. We also see Eddie through Alfieri’s eyes. Eddie says at one point that he and Beatrice often went hungry so that Catherine could eat; and this would have been common throughout the Depression in the 1930s. This was the deepest and longest-lasting economic downturn ever experienced before, and it was caused by the Wall Street Crash of October 1929. Another factor was the Second World War, which took place between 1939 and 1945 and was fought between Hitler’s Germany and the Allied forces – Great Britain, France and many other countries. When the Americans joined the war, after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbour in December 1941, there was also a lot of poverty in the USA.

The hero of a Greek tragedy is usually likeable but has one fatal flaw, or serious failing. Eddie represents this character, and his fatal flaw is his obsession with Catherine. He races towards his death and it is all of his own making. Nobody else can help or stop him.

Analysing the evidence

Mr Alfieri, they’re laughin’ at him on the piers. I’m ashamed. Paper Doll they call him. Blondie now. His brother thinks it’s because he’s got a sense of humor, see – which he’s got – but that ain’t what they’re laughin’. Which they’re not goin’ to come out with it because they know he’s my relative, which they have to see me if they make a crack, y’know? But I know what they’re laughin’ at, and when I think of that guy layin’ his hands on her I could – I mean it’s eatin’ me out, Mr. Alfieri, because I struggled for that girl. And now he comes in my house and – (Eddie)