A View From the Bridge Lesson Plan

What does Eddie mean when he says that Rodolpho “ain’t right”? How do you think Eddie’s views reflect the views of society as a whole in 1950s America?

Eddie is suggesting that Rodolpho is gay when he uses euphemisms like, “he ain’t right” and “if you close the paper fast…you could blow him over.” In heterosexual soxiety in the 1950s, homosexuality was still highly taboo and regarded with suspicion, fear, and hostility -- note how Eddie can't even bear to name his suspicions directly, and resorts instead to stereotypes and weak insinuation.

What do you think of Eddie’s saying, “He’s stealing from me!” about Rodolpho’s relationship with Catherine? How does this shed...