On the Waterfront question about directorial intent?

[weasleyisourking]

If Elia Kazan is so adamant about the importance of abiding by the values of one's conscience and familial loyalty - doesn't Edie betray Joey when she continues to love Terry after she discovers his involvement in his death?

This seems contradictory to Edie's stance as the moral purist of the film - any thoughts?

Why does Edie forgive Terry? In forgiving Terry she is betraying Joey!

[Greatness]

Well at the beginning Terry didnt know how corrupt the mob are. He says something like 'i thoght they were just gonna ruff him up'. Although he played a role in Joey's death, the main culprit was Johnny Friendly. Therefore through her relationship with Terry, she is able to help him make the right decision - that is to confess about the corrupt nature of the waterfront. So in a way you can say that she is betraying Joey, but in doing so she is able to bring justice to the waterfront.