1. Act 1, Scenes 3-6
Scenes 3–6
(Pages 19–43) In and around Pedreschi’s shop. Scotland
Develops action and storyline
• We see the relationship between Franco and Bridget developing into a physical one.
• Tension between Massimo and Rosinella, over Lucia’s behaviour.
• Franco warns Rosinella that she is getting too fond of Lucia.
Develops characters and relationships
• Lucia is becoming even more stubborn – and more aware of her Italian background.
• Massimo offers Hughie a wee job in the shop. It is a ruse to encourage Lucia to talk English.
• Lucia and Hughie begin an argumentative relationship. At least it ensures that Lucia speaks English.
• Lucia and Hughie share the experience of the death of a parent.
LI: To understand how the themes and characters of the novel develop in this scene
SC: Can find evidence of the development of characters and themes
Can comment appropriately on the evidence found

2. Develops themes and issues • Racial prejudice
Develops themes and issues • Racial prejudice. – Lucia has taken to speaking Italian most of the time. It worries her teacher. ‘She says Lucia won’t speak the right English.’ • The work ethic. – Hughie is delighted to be given a job by Massimo. ‘Enthusiastic: he rushes off’

3. • Sense of family.
– Bridget’s father exercises control over her behaviour.
‘My da’ll no let us go to the dancing.’
‘Says lassies just cheapen themselves. Getting all done up to wait in a line for some man to dance with them.’
– Bridget doesn’t want Franco to leave his father’s shop because of her.
‘I don’t want to be the cause of any bust up between you and your da.’
• The war.
– Growing awareness of the possibility of war.
– Franco doesn’t share Massimo’s dread of war.
‘We cannie let that wee German bastard throw his weight around.’