Catalysts in ?a View from the Bridge' and ?the Glass Menagerie'

Just as in science, a gun speeds up the rate of the chemical reaction; in literature, a gun is a person, idea or event that initiates and develops the conflict of the story. In A View from the Bridge and The Glass Menagerie, the catalysts utilize are introduced at disparate points in the dramas and play different roles. In A View from the Bridge, Rodolpho, the catalyst, is introduced in the exposition, and plays a major role in the play. He initiates the conflict by being attracted to Catherine, and by the fact that Catherine is attracted to him as well. The fact that he is introduced in the exposition, allows for the author to develop his character, and thus allows for the audience to empathize with him instead of Eddie. This development gives the audience a high tincture catalyst as it can relate to Rodplpho. Rodolpho creates a sinister tension in the family, out-of-pocket to his relationship with Catherine. This tension relates to the plays theme of obsession as it is caused by Eddies obsession with Catherine. How Rodolpho relates to the important theme and develops the tension make him a quality catalyst. Jim, the catalyst in The Glass Menagerie, is introduced in the complications of the play, and though he initiates the conflict, he does not develop it.

This may be due to the fact that he was introduced too late into the play, and because his character was not developed. This underdevelopment of his character produces a lower quality catalyst as the audience cannot relate to Jim, and also because he participates little in the play. The tension created by Jim relates to the theme of betrayal, when he tells Laura that he is industrious after he led her on and kissed her. Jims inefficiency to develop the plot of ground results in a less dramatic climax in The Glass Menagerie. Overall, Rodolphos deeper character, and his efficiency as a catalyst, makes A View from the Bridge an interesting and dramatic play, whereas Jims late clock and underdeveloped character... If you want to get a full essay, request it on our website: Orderessay

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