Jackson

Anticipatory (implied by the crowd’s excitement and the signboard’s prominence)

Billy’s emotional state is not explicitly explored, but his brief appearance serves as a neutral, almost comic relief element in an otherwise tense scene. His forgetfulness (losing his glasses) and the broken tail-light on his car add a layer of realism and normalcy.

Billy is emotionally neutral in this moment—he is not part of the conflict, nor does he register it. His cheerful wave (as described by Joyce) contrasts sharply with the bitter exchange unfolding beside him. His indifference serves as a foil to Catherine’s intense paranoia, highlighting how detached the world is from her internal turmoil.

Billy’s emotional state is not explicitly explored, but his brief appearance serves as a neutral counterpoint to the charged interaction between Catherine and Joyce. His presence is passive, almost incidental, yet it underscores the disconnect between the personal drama and the everyday world.