'How is dramatic tension in pages 35-42 is used to create a pivotal point in Eddie's character and the play?'

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‘How is dramatic tension used between page 35-42 to create a pivotal point in Eddie’s character and the play?’

I am going to analyse Act 1 scene 6 to point out the dramatic tension used to create a pivotal point in Eddie’s character and the play itself. By scene six we clearly see the tension growing over Eddie’s opposition towards Catherine and Rodolpho’s growing relationship. It is very clear that Catherine and Rudolpho like each other and Eddie doesn’t bother Catherine in anyway except she is confused the fact that Eddie’s acting weird towards her new found love. Eddie is back after an unsuccessful attempt to persuade Alfieri that Rodolpho is breaking the law. He also tried to prove Rodolpho is not a “real” man meaning he is Homosexual. “He ain’t right” quote was always repeated in Eddie’s speech showing he is obsessed and strongly believes in what he says.

    ‘Scene six’ is a particular scene where all the characters are present hence more chance of possible tension. The scene starts off with a pleasant natural conversation where the reader get to know more about the two new arrivals- Rodolpho and Marco. It is obvious that Catherine leads the conversation at the beginning implying everything Rodolpho has told her. For example Catherine informs “ They went to Africa once, on a fishing boat”. Stage directions take a main part on conveying different characters’ attitudes based on their actions. For example the stage direction of “EDDIE glances at her” which comes straight after Catherine’s statement- shows that Eddie is curious about their past.

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   The conversation carries on as Eddie inquires about the voyage to Africa on boat. It is clear he carefully avoids Rodolpho’s comments. For example whenever Rodolpho speaks the next thing Eddie say would have stage direction of ‘to Marco’. This shows us that Eddie purposely ignores Rodolpho, implying his dislike.  It is significant the stage direction of either Catherine or Beatrice would be ‘exits into the kitchen’ when they felt uncomfortable or out of conversation. The smooth conversation builds up to a peak of tension when Eddie says, “I heard them paint oranges to make them look orange”. At this ...

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