The repetition of Aurelio’s actions as he spends hours polishing false teeth in his office depicts the monotonous daily experiences of the working class, reflecting the aim of neorealist literature by presenting a quotidian scene. The repetition of his actions, along with his prioritization of these menial tasks over the Mayor’s request, is also important to the development of Aurelio’s character since it displays his disdain for the Mayor through action rather than narrative exposition. Aurelio’s meticulous, calm, repetitive actions are juxtaposed with the escalating and violent dialogue between him and the Mayor (mediated by his son) that threaten an armed conflict during the rising action. The repetition of the son’s interruptions also disrupts the tranquil pace of the narrative, hurtling it toward conflict.

Through symbolism and dialogue during the rising action, the story leads the reader to expect a violent altercation between the Mayor and the dentist. Aurelio’s dialogue up to this point has shown disdain for the Mayor, particularly when he is caught in his lie that he is in fact in the office and seems unconcerned: “So much the better” (74).