Comment on the reaction of the characters Essay

How does Miller create tension in this episode? Comment on the reaction of the characters. (Pages 35-42) Eddie feels threatened by his young guest, Rodolpho the blond Italian immigrant. The reasons why Eddie feels threatened are based on the fact that Catherine seems interested in Rodolpho. Eddie being her guardian for so many years feels that Catherine is drifted away from him and blames Rodolpho for that. Eddie never showed how he really felt about Rodolpho but throughout this scene some tension between the two characters is clearly conveyed by their actions and words. The first clear sign of tensions arises when the main characters are talking about lemons on trees. Eddie makes a joke about how oranges are painted to make them look orange. Marco claims in Italy oranges are orange. Rodolpho then says that lemons are green. What Rodolpho said seems so non-provoking but Eddie uses it to sound resentful towards Rodolpho for no reason at all. Eddie openly expresses his feelings. Beatrice tried to divert attention since she senses tension arising by asking Marco personal questions. The tension does not become unnoticed. Eddie shifts the discussion they are having that girls in Italy are strict to use it against Rodolpho, once more revealing the bad feelings he has for him. Eddie point out to Rodolpho that girls in the states also are not so free and those girls without a shawl or a black dress are taken for less strict by some. Rodolpho picks up quite well what Eddie tries to say. He can see where Eddie is coming from. He is not that nai ve as we thought he was at the start of the play. Rodolpho can understand that this discussion is really about Catherine and the time he spends with her. He tries to defend himself by saying to Eddie he always has respect about Catherine. Eddie tries to explain to Marco what he is trying to say and Marco sensing himself some tension he replies to Eddie cautiously. Tension increases due to Beatrice’s intervention in the conversation. She clearly defends Rodolpho by telling to Eddie that Rodolpho didn’t dragged Catherine off. The same time Beatrice is going against her husband. Now we don’t only sense tension between Rodolpho and Eddie but also between the couple. Beatrice points out to Eddie to be an uncle to Catherine. She intervenes strictly. Beatrice plays an important role in this episode because she highlights the tension between her and Eddie and also tries to influence Catherine. She tells Catherine to explain to Eddie why she and Rodolpho were late. She is trying to get Catherine involved, to stand up for herself. Marco also gets involved since he is the big brother and â€Å"guardian† of Rodolpho. He tries to ease tension with Eddie. Marco advises Rodolpho on some things to please Eddie and calm things down. Marco also reaches the point of apologizing to Eddie. He feels uncomfortable. Eddie justifies his arguments that Rodolpho shouldn’t stay out late with Catherine because the more he is out the bigger the chances of him being caught. Beatrice once more defends Rodolpho. She says that the same chances exist in the daytime also. With the stage direction indicating Eddie is â€Å"holding back a voice full of anger† illustrates the conflict between the couple. Catherine doesn’t stay quiet with all these happening around her. The whole conversation and tension is about her and she gets her chance to react to Eddie’s awkward behavior. Catherine becomes provoking and in a way rebels against Eddie by asking Rodolpho to dance with her. From the stage direction we see Eddie’s reaction, he freezes. Rodolpho due to the tension and with respect to Eddie he denies her offer. Beatrice once more goes against Eddie by encouraging Rodolpho to dance with Catherine. Catherine takes Rodolphos hands and they dance. A provoking attitude towards Eddie. Beatrice being the distracter in the whole episode she tries to ease the conflict by changing the subject once more. Eddie becomes sarcastic on Rodolphos expense when Marco informs them that Rodolpho can cook. Eddie points out Rodoplho’s qualities several times to mock him. Eddie tries to suggest that Rodolpho is gay, a homosexual. Catherine defends Rodolpho by telling to Eddie that all the big chefs are men and get paid well.