Rodolpho exits and Catherine and Eddie are left alone. Catherine wants to know why Eddie will not talk to Rodolpho. Catherine attempts to convince Eddie that Rodolpho likes him and that he should like Rodolpho. Eddie tells Catherine his worry about Rodolpho. Eddie suspects that Rodolpho only wants to have a relationship with Catherine to become an American citizen. Catherine will not listen to Eddie's accusations, exclaims that Rodolpho loves her, and rushes into the house sobbing.
When inside the house, Eddie shouts again that Rodolpho is no good, and leaves the house. Catherine and Beatrice are left alone. Beatrice is alarmed at Eddie's passionate fury towards Catherine. Beatrice tells Catherine that she is a woman and must make her own decisions about marriage. Beatrice also reminds Catherine that to be a woman she must act like one. During the women's conversation, Beatrice suggests that Eddie might assume she was jealous of Catherine, but assures Catherine she is not. The idea of jealousy between her and Catherine over Eddie is a great surprise to Catherine. Catherine vows she will try to be a woman and make up her own mind, she finally says good-bye to her girlhood.
Eddie makes a visit to Alfieri to ask if there is any way that he can prevent Catherine from marrying Rodolpho. Eddie claims that Rodolpho is only marrying Catherine to gain citizenship, but Alfieri tells him he has no proof and the law is not interested in such accusations. Eddie begs Alfieri and desperately suggests that Rodolpho might even be homosexual. Alfieri implores Eddie to "let Catherine go," as he has too much love for her and must wish her luck and let her marry Rodolpho. Helpless and near to tears, Eddie leaves the office.
Immediately Alferi addresses the audience notifying them that from the moment Eddie left his office, he knew his tragic outcome and claims he could see each step unravelling before him.
and clear the dinner table while the men finish eating. Catherine boasts to Eddie that has been to Africa. Eddie and describe their jouneys on fishing boats. Beatrice asks why they have to go out on boats to fish and Marco tells her that the only fish she will catch from the beach are sardines. Catherine and Beatrice muse about the thought of sardines in the ocean. Catherine thinks the idea of sardines in the ocean is as bizarre as oranges on a tree. Eddie agrees with Catherine and says he heard they painted oranges to make them look orange because they grew green on the tree. Rodolpho disagrees with Eddie's thoughts about the oranges and Beatrice quickly diverts the conflict by asking about Marco's children.
Marco responds that his children are well, but he is getting lonesome. Eddie jokingly suggests that there might be a few extra children when Marco returns to , but Marco assures him that he trusts his wife. Rodolpho tells Eddie that it is stricter in their town and the people are not so free. Rodolpho's remark infuriates Eddie, who rises and paces about the room. Eddie informs Rodolpho that the women might be freer in America, but they are not less strict.}
Following this summarization enters the boxing scene. As a result of the dramatic events that occurred in the play Arthur Miller creates tension. The rise of tension between characters becomes most evident in the boxing scene this results into each character following their personal desire into how they will spend their future. In staging this scene tension has to be presented by using the 9 factors previously mentioned. This will make the audience aware of each of the characters emotions and uprising repulse or affection towards one-other. The first factors that will be considered on staging this scene will be the body language, the positioning of the actors which continuously alters during this scene, the sound affects and the way the dialogue is spoken as almost each quote or event has to be described individually in a substantial amount of detail to create tension. Since the remaining factors change over a period of time, the scene will be gone through again adapting the cast, the scene, the lighting, the props and the costume. The change of mood and thoughts between and within the characters will be gradual and will change to adapt to the growing tension. This will also be described on staging this scene.
Staging the Boxing scene:
The characters positioning is very important during this part of the play as it portrays a rough image of the building tension. To generate the sensation that Eddies relationship is departing from his family and enmity is developing between him and the two cousins he will be sat in front of Eddie yet with a considerable distance. Rodolpho will be sat close to his brother side to side and opposite of Eddie. There will be a table between the brothers and Eddie to show that there is no link of friendship in between. Catherine will be leaning on the kitchen door, this is to remain in protection of Beatrice who is in the kitchen and to prevent getting too involved in any conflict.
Following the end of the summary Rodolpho resumes what seems to be the initiation of an argument by saying “well, I always have respect,” body language will be the rising of the eyebrows to emphasize Rodolphos innocence.
Eddies reply’s: “I know, but in your town you wouldn’t just drag off some girl without permission, I mean” at this point his voice will begin to rise, then he continues “You know what I mean, Marco? It ain’t that much different here.” Following the word “I mean”, he repositions himself to face Marco in order to receive reassurance and back up from Rodolphos own brother. This is confirmed on Marco cautiously replying “yes,” this should be quoted in a low voice and furthermore eye contact between Marco and Eddie should be minimal. This is due to the uprising tension between the two characters.
On Beatrice’s interference she should be situated on the kitchen door, she seem very protective an in favour of her two cousins. “Well he didn’t exactly drag her off though, Eddie.” As she may have been previously in the kitchen, she will be dressed in a kitchen apron and a pair of rubber gloves. Eddie replies in calmness to Beatrice then addresses Rodolpho saying: “I mean it might be a little more free here but it’s just as strict.” This is a type of concluding quote yet Rolopho informs Eddie that he has respect for Catherine. This is to confirm and show his innocence to Eddie. To this Eddie responds in fury and increased volume saying: “Look kid, I ain’t her father, I’m only her uncle,” Beatrice to loose her temper and criticizes Eddie telling his to “be an uncle then.” The following quote attempts once again to seal this argument, it is said by Marco as he has presumed that the only way to end this quarrel is to take the side of Eddie: “No, Beatrice, is he does wrong you must tell him” (looking at Beatrice while waving his right finger and shaking his head. Following this line Marco will remain composed in his seat, the word “he” refers to Rodolpho. Then, with a slight frown Marco returns his gaze to Eddie while saying “what does he do wrong?” This again irritates Eddie and causes him to mention the incident of Rodolpho and Catherine returning home late. Marco (pointing at Rodolpho), informs his brother to come home early, this is also said to how Rodolpho’s loyalty. Beatrice attempts to while pointing and glaring at Catherine says “you said the movie ended late.” To this Catherine will quietly reply “yeah,” avoiding any real interference yet defends herself against Eddie. Beatrice wants Catherine to make her view heard: “Well, tell him honey. (Turns to face Eddie) The movie ended late.” This will be said in a calm soft voice to avoid infuriating Eddie yet to resolve his argument. Now, Eddie serenely replies: (looking up at Beatrice, with raised eyebrows to attempt to spread his face from his earlier frowning) “look B. I’m just saying- he thinks she always stayed out like that.” The word “he” I used to avoid presenting any respect to Rodolpho. Subsequent to this Marco once again tries to seal this conflict repeating” “you come home early now.” This will be quoted using a louder tone of voice to make it obvious that this issue has already been resolved. Rodolpho seems uncomfortable on concluding the argument without obtaining the rights to go out of the house and while looking at Eddie indirectly (corner of his eye) he mentions that he “can’t stay in the house all the time.” This re-opens another disagreement between Eddie and Beatrice. It commences by Eddie explaining the risk the two brothers have of being outside, since they were illegally immigrated to the US. Beatrice explains that the same risk is present in both the daylight and at night. This is quoted in a soft manner thus attempting to maintain Eddies cool. He looks back at Beatrice with a loss of temper and he has become very vulnerable to any opposition. With a head tilted forward yet with eyes focusing on his wife he exclaims that the cousins do not have to go looking for trouble. He continues with a faster pace “If he’s here to work, then he should work; if hes here for a good time then he could fool around! (He turns to face Marco) But I understood, Marco, that you was both comin’ to make a livin’ for your family.”
Following this quote his positioning on the stage alters and he travels across the room to his rocker. By this he is looking to acquire tranquillity and composure. Marco leans forward in curiosity, “I beg your pardon, Eddie.” Now a little more composed Eddie replies while leaning back on his rocker “I mean, that’s what I understood in the first place.” Marco in sarcasm and a slight grin responds “Yes. That’s why we came.” The conversation diverts from Rodolpho and Eddie to Marco and Eddie, to the audience, this is a clearly signifies that Marco has become protective for his younger brother as he believes Eddie has diverted to one extreme.
As Eddie remains on his rocker, he decides to conclude the argument and get the final word, “Well, that’s all I’m asking.” This also helps to reduce the harsh situation after planting anger in most of the characters.
Eddie begins to read his paper with his feet raised on the table where on the opposite end Rodolpho is sat. This is to stress to the viewers Eddies disrespect for Rodolpho. An awkward silence relaxes the atmosphere. Then Catherine gets up from her leaning position and puts a record on the phonograph. The song ‘Paper Doll’ emits from the stage. Catherine, as if Eddie had not said a word previously offers Rodolpho a dance. She stretches her arm in Rodolpho’s direction awaiting a response. Rodolpho with a slight stutter and in fear of Eddie refuses with an excuse of “I’m tired.” Beatrice with confidence shown by the smile which crops on her face convinces Rodolpho to accept Catherine’s offer who attempts to cheer up the atmosphere by saying “Ah, come on, They got a beautiful quartet, these guys.”
She grabs his hand and he rises with his eyes focused on Eddie who pretends to lack attention yet has the corner of his eye examining every move that will occur between the couples. (He lowers his newspaper) “What’s that, a new record? Catherine, while dancing deals with this comment by saying that “it’s the same one.” Beatrice walks in from near the kitchen door and sits near to Eddie watching Catherine and Rodolpho dance. Eddie in objection turns back to his newspaper. Marco awaits in silence aware of Eddies rival mood he is not bothered about the dancing as he is a married man and shares no feeling towards Catherine. Beatrice turns to Marco and questions him about life on the ships. Marco (while tilting towards Beatrice’s location) replies to talk about the hard work on the boats and informs her of Rodolpho’s cooking ability. To this Eddie lowers his newspaper with eyes wide open anticipating further information. With a grin Eddie goes on looking up and saying “It’s wonderful, He sings, he cooks, he could make dresses.” He says this in attempt to hint his opinion about Rodolpho, he wants to convey the message to Catherine that Rodolpho is a homosexual. Catherine challenges Eddie’s opinion indirectly stating that “the head chefs in all the big hotels are men.”
Following Eddies newly obtained knowledge on Rodolpho he describes that if he possessed the skills of cooking, singing and making dresses he wouldn’t be working on the water front and rather in a “dress store.” During this quote Eddie constructs a plan to test Rodolpho’s strength, this causes him to unconsciously roll the newspaper and remain twisting it until it tears in two pieces. He stands and walks towards Marco then offers him “go to the bouts next Saturday.” In actual fact Eddie is directing this offer to Rodolpho, this can be notices as Eddie addresses Marco yet he receives a response from Rodolpho who says: “Sure. I like to go.”
Now the boxing scene commences, this is began by Catherine, now in comfort approaching Eddie, “I’ll make some coffee, all right?”. Eddie agrees and adds “make it nice and strong.” During this quote an evil grin will crop up on his face stressing the fact that something will occur in her absence. Catherine walks off and out of the stage into the kitchen. Eddie then turns to the brothers and asks them if they “ever do any boxing?” Neither Marco nor Rodolpho have and this accords to Eddies plan. He offers to teach Rodolpho some boxing. Beatrice is unhappy of this and aware of the negative circumstances, she leans towards Eddie proclaiming in a high pitched voice: “why does he have to learn that for?” Eddie formulates an excuse saying that someone is “liable to step on his foot or sump’m.” Rodolpho moves steadily and in embarrassment towards Eddie, he follows his instructions and blocks Eddies gentle punch, he then agrees to throw a jab at him. Others begin to join as they notice Eddie’s composure, as he does this he expresses nervous amusement. Eddie continues convincing Rodolpho to throw more punches (with his arms raised at head height and skipping slightly back and forth) “come on again” and to this Rodolpho exceeds the limits as Eddie says: “Come on, Kid/ you can’t hurt me.” he lands a jab at Eddies jaw grazing it. Catherine returns from the kitchen and with eyes wide open she expresses a mystified frown; “what are they doin?” The individuals in the other side of the room presume their light boxing, all the characters watch in anticipation. Rodolpho lands another blow on Eddie causing more hidden tension to build up in Eddie, he pretends to not be bothered about this saying: “At’s it! Now, watch out, here I come.” Eddie with greater concentration and confidence fakes with his left and swings his right arm into Rodolpho’s head mildly astounding him. To this Marco instantly pushes the sides of his armchair causing him to instantly rise. He does not say a word as all the others replace Marco in defence for his brother. Catherine rushes to Rodolpho resting her hand on his shoulder, “Eddie!” she exclaims. In concealed anger and while Eddie wipes his mouth he says “I didn’t hurt him. Did I hurt you, kid? Rodolpho glancing at Eddie with the corner of his eye with eyebrows lowered, forming into a frown while slightly grinning replies in quietness that it didn’t hurt yet it just “surprised” him. His facial expression represents opposition and friction between him and Eddie. Beatrice pulls Eddie into his rocker as if is ending a real fight. “That’s enough,” she declares raising the volume of her voice.
Following this incident Marco develops hatred towards Eddie, this travels through the rest of the individuals including Rodolpho. As a cause of Eddies surprising punch, Rodolpho seeks his revenge by offering Catherine to dance. This time in confidence he travels towards Catherine taking her by the hand. Rodolpho’s annoyance causes him to dance with Catherine not caring about what Eddie thinks.
As the couple dance in the distance, Marco journeys across the table to where Beatrice and Eddie are situated, he grabs an empty chair and places it in front of Eddie. In a low pitched voice showing no friendship Marco says “Can you lift this chair?” He demonstrates how Eddie should lift the chair yet does not elevate it highlighting the fact the he can. Eddie responds to this challenge (he kneels): “sure, why not?” Eddies incapability results in Marco showing him how it is done. As he raises the chair he creates an evil smile, Eddie kneeling on the floor can only watch the stronger individual raising the chair over his head, gripping it like a weapon. The couples stop dancing; Beatrice with hands resting on her lap stares at Marco whoc maintains his eye contact with Eddie, articulating that if you mess with my brother you mess with me. Silence falls on the stage and the scene comes to a close.
The Lighting throughout this scene will alter as various amounts of apprehension appear. From Rodolphos quote “Well, I always have respect” to when Eddie closes the argument with “Well, that’s all I’m askin” bright yellow light will fill the room; this will show that the sun has set. The window will portray a dark blue colour. The first dance occurrence will feature light on the two couples and another source on Eddie to show his opposing facial expression. Following this, Catherine and Rodolpho fade into the background and bright lights focus on table in the centre of the room where Marco, Eddie and Beatrice talk about the life on the boats. When Eddie addresses Beatrice about Rodolpho the light splits so that bright light focuses on the two while dime light fills the other parts of the room. This diverts the audience’s attention to Eddie’s opinions on Rodolpho as this is crucial in order to understand the various judgments each character is forming. Once the boxing scene starts Rodolpho and Eddie position themselves away from the others, this generates a white spotlight in their position while the other characters remain in dim light. Subsequent to Eddies unexpected punch the light will return yellow yet will lack its brightness in relationship with the atmosphere.
During the chair lifting scene Catherine and Rodolpho will be dancing in and area of darkness as their role of importance ends. Light will rest on Marco and as he lift the chair it will begin to fade and gradually disappear when the chair rises over his head. This will end the scene and also draw attention to Eddies newly developing fear of Marco who seems stronger than him.
For the props, a table will be allocated in the centre of the room where at various stages of the play will act as a barrier between the characters. The window will be at the back wall of the stage showing sun-set- A time where argumentative and strange incidents are most likely to occur. There will be 5 chairs; this includes one leather rocking chair for Eddie showing his rule over the family. An area of open space with a phonograph in corner will be Catherine and Rodolpho’s dancing location. Catherine will dress in attempt to attract Rodolpho yet under limits set by Eddie. Beatrice will be dressed in a kitchen apron, this will show her being similar to the mother of all of the characters who undergoes the household chores. Marco and Rodolpho will be dressed casually in shirts and trousers yet Rodolpho will be wearing a pink sweater and worn jeans.
To enable the whole crowd to view the stage it will be semi-circled where the first row sits 5 metres away from the stage. The seating rows will become higher as they move away from the stage. I have concluded that this setting is appropriate to a 1950’s audience who want to comprehend the hidden and revealed emotions in each of the characters. This will permit anyone who watches this play in predicting what will take place in future scenes, furthermore will maximise the affect in bringing out the tension for an audience in the 1950’s.
