The structure of the play is very important to the content of the play. The story is set out in two very definite acts. This is important to the audience and their understanding of the play. The events of Act 1 are mirrored in Act 2, although in a more serious manner. For instance, in Act 1 we hear of Vinny Balzano, the young boy who was disowned by his family after reporting his own uncle to the Immigration Bureau. Also, the recital of "Paper Doll" by Rodolfo early on in Act 1 has significance later on, being the record to which the 'couple' dance to (in direct defiance of Eddie). The end of Act 1 prepares the audience for the important events that will take place later on.
             The closing scene in Act 1 is set in the living room, to add to the feeling that this is a domestic situation. It also adds plausibility to the scene, the setting making it seem more believable and realistic. Alfieri's opening speech also refers to the ordinariness surrounding this situation, "This one's name was Eddie Carbone," suggesting that this was no freak occurrence, the events described taking place more often than people would like to admit.
             The scene is made dramatically effective by many different techniques. As this is a play, dialogue remains very important, and speech plays an important part throughout the play. The earlier conversations Eddie has with Rodolfo are important, as it is evident that Eddie is attempting to gain superiority verbally, enforcing his masculinity, in total contrast to his (suspicious) view of Rodolfo due to his apparent effeminate nature ("high tenor voice," blond hair etc). The stage directions note that "[Eddie] is sizing up Rodolfo, and there is a concealed suspicion." Eddie is constantly putting Rodolfo down, making lots of derogatory comments in lots of different areas, seemingly trying to show the numerous flaws that "Danish" has in his eyes.
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