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The opening scene of Act Two marks the dramatic turning point of the play. In this scene, Catherine confronts Rodolfo over Eddies allegation that Rodolfo only wants to marry Catherine to be an American. However it is soon revealed that Rodolfo truly loves her. The two characters sleep together for the first time, a fact that Eddie finds out when he returns home drunk, which results in a devastating confrontation between the central characters. The seriousness and the intense emotions displayed in this scene, plus Arthur Millers use of dramatic devices, make this scene very dramatically effective. It is a turning point in the play because it is the first time Catherine and Rodolfo sleep together, symbolizing Catherines transformation from a little girl to a grown woman; and Catherines ties with Eddie have finally cut as she chooses Rodolfo over Eddie.
In this scene, Eddie also confronts his feelings towards Catherine as he kisses her in a fit of rage, passion and desire. This scene opens up with Alfieri's narration. He tells the audience that Catherine and Rodolfo are alone in the apartment for the first time. The fact that they are alone suggests something is going to happen and sets the scene and create tension because the two characters are alone in a cramped flat without anyone to interfere and no other witnesses except the audience.
The cramped apartment is dramatic device which is more obvious on stage the dining room is the focus of the actions, the small, claustrophobic space increases tension between the characters. The character of Alfieri serves two functions. In the play, Alfieri is the narrator, who tells the audience the story of Eddie Carbone in flashbacks, and therefore constantly reminds the readers of the tragedy that is yet to come. However he also acts as an actual character in the play the role of the wise lawyer, whom Eddie seeks advice from. A narrator is a typical dramatic device used often in plays, dating back to Greek tragedy, which is the style this play is written in. Catherine asks Rodolfo is he is hungry, instead he replies not for anything to eat.
This suggests Rodolfo's desire for Catherine and further emphasis what might happen now they are alone together. This makes the audience wonder and curious, about Rodolfo and Catherine, and also about Eddies reaction when he finds out. Catherine starts to ask Rodolfo a series of questions about the options of the two of them living in Italy. At first Rodolfo thinks Catherine is joking as he is smiling, as he does not know the real question Catherine is asking him. However, we as the audience understand she is testing him to see if he only wants to marry her to be an American. This is an example of dramatic irony which Miller uses to create tension and suspense as the audience wonder how Rodolfo is going to react and whether he will figure out Catherines true intention.
We are also kept in suspense as we wait to see if Rodolfo really loves Catherine. As Rodolfo realises Catherines seriousness, stage directions describes that his smile vanishes and he is astonished at Catherines request and he walks to her slowly. From here, it is clear that Rodolfo recognizes something is wrong and the tension is heightened as his previous joking mood has gone and is moving onto a more unpleasant topic. Rodolfo tries to persuade Catherine by commenting Italy as having no money, no business and nothing and though Italy is beautiful, you cant cook the view. This quote shows Rodolfo's maturity and his understanding of reality and that he is not blinded by a mere pretty surface.
As Catherine continues to pursue the idea of living in Italy, Rodolfo becomes increasingly frustrated: Theres nothing! Nothing, nothing, nothing. We see the characters are more emotionally charged as the argument continues; Rodolfo becomes more angry and irritable as the tension builds up, and the audience tense up as the calmer atmosphere is now disturbed by something more exciting. Finally, Catherine confesses she is afraid of Eddie here.
This is the first time she admits her fear of Eddie and his actions to the audience, which marks another turning point of the play she no longer sees Eddie as a non-threatening, kind man she thought he is. There is a slight pause after Catherines admission. This creates tension and allows time for Catherines confession and is a hint to the impending tragedy sink in. However, even after this, Catherine persists with her questioning, which eventually leads to Rodolfo's realisation: This is your question or his question? Therefore the penny drops as the truth comes out. From this point on, the characters confront their true feelings and give the audience further insight into the characters inner emotions.
This quote also shows that Rodolfo is not the nave, innocent boy portrayed and seen by other earlier in the play he is quite witty and intelligent and knows when something is going on. Rodolfo is furious at Eddies accusation of him and explains that the only reason he wants to be an American so I can work. This shows Rodolfo is realistic and is not just an impressionable, young, starry-eyed boy who loves America so much. This corresponds with earlier in the play with his you cant cook the view speech.
From here, we see another more mature, responsible side of him. This also touches on the theme of family and responsibility two of the things that are significant in the Italian traditions. These are shown through the way Rodolfo says that he cannot bring Catherine from a rich country to a poor one; otherwise he would be a criminal stealing her face when he cannot afford enough food for her as he would be responsible for her well-being. Catherine is near tears and Rodolfo is furious as the argument progresses. This makes the scene more dramatic as we see the characters emotions are displayed so raw and vividly in this scene, as indicated in the stage directions. Catherine describes Eddie as mad all the time and nasty, which contrasts with her earlier comments of the sweetest guy and good.
This reveals that Catherine loves Eddie very much but at the same time is afraid of him as she admits herself. This paradox illustrates Catherines emotional turmoil and complex feelings. It also suggests that she too, knows something is wrong with Eddies over-the-top rage and fury about the idea of her and Rodolfo together, further emphasised by Rodolfo's suggestion that Eddie will spank Catherine if she disobeys him that there is something dark and primal in Eddies feelings for Catherine. Catherine denies she is a nave baby like everyone thinks, which reminds us that Catherine is caught in the crossfire and has to do what everyone elses expectation of her. However, she continues to defend Eddie as she criticises Beatrice of not being a good wife and woman to Eddie, unlike the way she can because she can tell and know what Eddie wants and needs. This almost peculiar comment deepens the audiences sense of unease as we suspect that some...
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