Manliness

Manliness

1. Eddie

   • He tries to make Rodolfo look homophobic so Catherine would feel put off
     • He goes to Alfieri complaining how he thinks that he is homosexual, how Rodolfo is blonde and dances, sings etc.
       • 'The guy ain't right... he sings...' Eddie when talking to Alfieri
   • Eddie attempts to assert himself over Rodolfo - he claims that Rodolfo's skills are not manly
     • When Eddie tears the newspaper in two, this implies that he could do the same with Rodolfo
   • Eddie is unaware that Marco is a much stronger character than him.
   • In Act 2, Eddie kisses Catherine, then he kisses Rodolfo
     • He kisses Rodolfo to prove to Catherine that he is homosexual and to undermine him to Catherine.
       • Rodolfo pulls on Eddies arm, 'stop that!... Have respect for her'

2. Marco

   • The Trial of Strength
     • Marco lifts a chair above Eddie's head to show that he is stronger than Eddie.
       • This displays Marco's strength, which echoes of what to come at the end
         • At the end Marco's strength is shown again when Marco turns the blade in on Eddie
     • Eddie strikes Rodolfo when attempting to teach him how to box
   • Marco initially is cautious, he then decides to react to Eddie as he sees that his actions are hostile.

3. Rodolfo

   • Mocked by Eddie, 'It's wonderful. He sings, he cooks, he could make dresses...'
   • The least manly character in the play. He is not the strong hardworking workers that Eddie and Marco are.
   • Rodolfo first act of manliness was when Eddie kisses him and Catherine. "Don't... Stop that! Have respect for her!'
   • Rodolfo has a strength of character and mind in Act two he asks Catherine 'this is your question or his question?'
   • 'I wish to apologise, it was wrong that I do not ask your permission, I kiss your hand'