Just as in science, a catalyst speeds up the rate of the chemical reaction; in literature, a catalyst 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 used are introduced at different points in the plays 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 sympathise with him instead of Eddie. This development gives the audience a high quality catalyst as it can relate to Rodplpho. Rodolpho creates a heavy tension in the family, due to his relationship with Catherine. This tension relates to the play's theme of obsession as it is caused......
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Approximate Word Count: 385
Approximate Pages: 2 (260 words per double-spaced page) |