The first scene begins with a fight. Obviously this introduction is indicative of some kind of intense emotion to follow. An aura of passionate emotions continues to surface throughout the play. The mood is set immediately. The audience knows that whatever is to come will be fiery and fervent. Ironically, the opening scene is the climax itself. By using this structure, the author gets right to the point that Eddie Carbone is a self-destructive character without restraint or self-control. His peers, the longshoremen, try to discourage him from fighting, but none approach him physically. By keeping a safe distance, they yield to his unbridled temper. Eddie is not a man who spends a lot of time with self-reflection. He is a intransigent character that contrasts well against the other characters flexibility and compliance. He encompasses the typical stubborn (and somewhat self-righteous ) facet of the entire human race. All people interpret society and community through their own subjective eyes; therefore, filtering out the parts and people that do not fit their idea of the norm. Eddie is the common man, not the self-made man or even the desperate fledgling. He is a typical lower-middle class citizen just calling it like he sees it. Unfortunately, he only accepts what he wants to, instead of what could benefit him the most: an open mind. Brooklyn during the 1950s was a conglomerate of blue and white collar workers. The social strata are represented by Alfieri (white-collar) and Eddie (blue-collar.) Their costumes are authentic and detailed. Alfieri enters wearing a three-piece suit, typical of attorneys. He reveals his gold pocket watch and tips his classy fedora. He is an intelligent man who earns the trust of the audience with his debonair attire. His observations are objective and honest when he tells Eddie he has too much love for the niece. He is the embodiment of justice and reason. Eddie, on the other hand, exemplifies the part of...
