As this part of the scene begins, Jo and Helen are both expecting to marry. However, there is a difference in their attitudes to marriage. At this point, Jo seems to be quite enthusiastic about getting married and also implies that she is quite a hopeless romantic when Helen says 'He certainly knows how to put stars in your eyes' and Jo describes Boy having 'beautiful brown eyes and gorgeous curly hair.' On the other hand, this second quote could be interpreted as sarcasm towards Helen, depending on how it is played out. Whereas Helen tells Jo 'At the time I had nothing better to do' in reply to Jo asking her 'Why did you marry him?' implying that she was not at all enthusiastic about her wedding. However I think that this is only said on the surface and that Helen is heartbroken about that marriage but is hiding her vunerability from Jo.
Jo reacts to Helen's forthcoming marriage with a lot less attitude than expected from her. The stage directions quote 'The news is received in silence' once Helen tells Jo of the wedding. This is followed by a repetion of the news and and the sarcastic comment 'What do you want me to do, laugh and throw pennies?' which shows her refusal to even feign happiness for Helen, adding to the audience's knowledge of their peculiar relationship as mother and daughter.
I have the impression that Helen hopes for a marriage that includes her being tended to and presented with gifts. I have interpreted this from the way she acts to 'PETER carrying a large bouquet and a box of chocolates.' The audience can imagine the way her face must light up as she says 'Oh look, and it's all mine!' which enourages them to think of her as quite materialistic, although she doesn't seem to care much for the appearance of their flat.
Both Jo and Helen refer to men as 'little boys.' This reveals that their view of men is fairly negative, as they believe that they aren't as serious and/or as strong as they make out to be.
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