There's no reason to have the house ablaze with electricity at this time of night, burning up money! (2057)" This remark shows how Tyrone is most comfortable, being stingy. It is suddenly as though Tyrone believes he is in the room that late at night for a single purpose, to be sure electricity it not wasted, and his wallet burdened. Hardly being welcomed, Edmund retorts angrily, "Ablaze with electricity! One bulb! Hell, everyone keeps a light on in the front hall until they go to bed. (2057)" Edmund's resentment is obvious, but not only for the light, but also for the unwelcome greeting. It is only natural for Edmund to be belligerent instantly upon his arrival with his reception. Tyrone continues with his attack, "The light from here shows in the hall. You could see you way well enough if you were sober. (2057)" Edmund notes the irony in his father's statement, "If I was sober? I like that! (2057)" This exchange shows the need of each of them to take the emphasis of themselves and their current state away in hope that they further ignoring the problems being avoided with drink. Edmund continues his attack by pitting the light against his father's whiskey, "I've proved by figures if you left one light bulb on all night it wouldn't be as much as one drink! (2057)" This furthers the irony by coming from a person who has consumed a fair amount of alcohol on his own accord. The argument continues with Edmund's accusations of Tyrone's ignorance of Shakespeare not being Catholic (2057). This is put to an end with Tyrone returning to his original command of the light being turned off (2057). At this, Edmund desires to make a point of the situation, blatantly refusing and calling Tyrone a "crazy miser. (2057)" Edmund's desires are fulfilled when Tyrone threatens a thrashing, but halts upon remembrance of his son's consumption (2057). This is the first shock a reality for either party, as Tyrone suddenly remembers that his son is dying, and a night a fighting may not be the best course of action.
