Act II Scene 3

The portrayal of Berniece is rather cold and hard, but this scene serves to slowly soften some of her defenses. Boy Willie and Avery had tried the tactic of attacking Berniece like a fortress, but Lymon makes more progress by quiet, slow steps. He is a dreamer, looking for the right woman. Or maybe that’s just a line – but if it’s a line, it’s a successful one. The feminine nature sought by Avery is still there – it’s just not at the surface.