Following this, they have a discussion about the colour of fruit in Italy. Eddie says (resenting his instructions) “I know lemons are green, for Christ sake, you see them in the store they’re green sometimes. I said oranges they paint, I didn’t say nothin’ about lemons.” The stage direction shows the audience he is very annoyed and irritated. Eddie feels he is the male authority in the house and he hates being told he is wrong. He thinks whatever he says is right no matter what and does not like people disagreeing with him. Beatrice senses some tension so changes the subject by saying (sitting, diverting their attention) “Your wife is gettin’ the money all right.” By her saying this it diverts their attention and discussion to another topic.
Further strain is cause when Eddie says “I betcha there’s plenty surprises when those guys get back there heh?” This shows Eddie is implying that Marco’s wife is cheating on him. However, Marco replies in a nice, polite way trying not to get involve or encourage the argument that Eddie is trying to start. They carry on the conversation and Rodolpho says “Its more strict in our town.” (Eddie looks at him now) “It’s not so free.” By Eddie looking at him he is showing interest in what Rodolpho is saying. Eddie then replies by saying (rises, paces up and down) it aint so free here either, Rodolpho, like you think.” The stage directions indicate he is pacing up and down, this tells the audience that he is getting very annoyed, angry and irritated. When Eddie is saying this he is referring to Catherine.
This discussion carries on and Rodolpho asks Eddie whether he has done anything wrong. Eddie believes Rodolpho is only with Catherine so he can stay in America. Eddie replies by saying “Look, kid, I ain't her father, I’m only her uncle” Beatrice then says “Well then, be an uncle then” this shows the audience that Beatrice is getting annoyed with Eddie. Beatrice knows that Catherine is old enough to make decisions for herself and is getting angry with Eddie as he is very overprotective and doesn’t let her.
The tension increases when Catherine asks Rodolpho to dance with her. She says “ You wanna dance, Rodolpho?” (Eddie freezes). The stage directions show that when Catherine asks Rodolpho Eddie freezes. By Eddie freezing, it suggests to the audience that he is in shock and astonishment. He can not believe that Catherine has asked Rodolpho to dance with her. Rodolpho refuses this offer at first but then finally agrees. The stage directions say “She has taken his hand and he stiffly rises, feeling Eddie’s eyes on his back and they dance.” The stage directions show that Rodolpho rises stiffly and that he can feel Eddie’s eyes on his back, this suggests he is scared of Eddie.
Marco and Beatrice then start talking about work on the boats, and how Rodolpho is a good cook. Marco says “Sure, he’s a good cook. Rice, pasta, fish, everything.” ( Eddie lowers his newspaper) By Eddie lowering his newspaper, it shows he is interested in their conversation and wants to listen. He then says “ Its wonderful. He sings, he cooks, he could make dresses.” When Eddies says this he is being sarcastic and mocking Rodolpho.
The discussion carries on and Eddie talks about how the waterfront is not a place for Rodolpho. The stage directions say “He has been unconsciously twisting the newspaper into a tight roll.” This shows he is not aware he is twisting the newspaper. It also shows that through his actions he is showing he can not stop his anger. Then, the stage directions say “He suddenly gets up and pulls his pants up over his belly.” This suggests that his thoughts are negative.
Further on, Eddie offers to teach Rodolpho how to box. He says “Come on Rodolpho, I show you a couple a passes.” This is ironic, as he really wants to have a fight with him. They then start to punch each other and Eddie says to Rodolpho “Sure, he’s great! Come on, kid, put sump’m behind it, you can’t hurt me.” This is sarcastic and could mean two things. It could either mean that he can’t hurt him physically, which would be if they were to fight. Or non physically where he means he can’t hurt him mentally.
Finally, tension peaks when Marco asks Eddie whether he can lift the chair. They have a competition and in the end Marco wins. Act 1 ends with “transforms what might appear like a glare of warning into a smile of triumph and Eddie’s grin vanishes as he absorbs his look.” This suggests Marco is proud as he was able to lift the chair and it also implies that there is more to happen. Also, before Eddie was in control and now that Marco was able to lift the chair and Eddie wasn’t, Marco now seems more powerful.
In conclusion, the audience are left feeling very excited and anxious.
As the audience we see the build up of conflict lead to a great tension.
Conflict keeps the audience interested and builds up throughout the play.
I think Miller included this conflict to show the audience that sometimes things aren't what they seem. The conflict in this play is what makes it successful. It attracts the audience and makes the whole play interesting.