Write about how the relationship between Beatrice and Eddie changes as the play unfolds.

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Write about how the relationship between Beatrice and Eddie changes as the play unfolds.

At the beginning of the play, it is clear that the relationship between Beatrice and Eddie is comfortable and affectionate. This is shown when Eddie reassures her saying: ‘you’re saving their lives what’re you worryin’ about the table cloth?,’ as she is worried about the cousins arrival and the state of the house. He knows her very well and protectively warns her, ‘You’ve got too big a heart’, because he does not want her ‘bein’ pushed around.’ His body language also shows the warmth in their relationship and he ‘touches her hands.’ She is in return deeply moved by this and it is with tears in her eyes that she ‘grabs Eddie’s face in her hands’ and blesses him. However even now, a less amiable side to their relationship is hinted at, when Beatrice says: ‘if it don’t turn out good, you’ll be mad at me,’ a fear that foreshadows the decline of the marriage.

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A more confrontational aspect of their relationship is revealed through their disagreements about Catherine. It soon becomes clear that she is a major source of tension, in their relationship. Eddie’s over protectiveness appears to both worry and frustrate Beatrice and she is forced to challenge him about it: ‘you gonna keep her in the house all her life?’ She is clearly angered by his attitude, but chooses to leave the room saying: ‘You’re the one who is mad,’ rather than risk the inevitable breaking down of the family.

When the cousins arrive and Eddie is opposed to the relationship ...

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