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Act 1, Scene 1

• The Shrike begins in the psychiatric ward of the hospital, where the staff and patients are establishing the restrictive nature of care.

• Jim Downs is brought in on a gurney by his wife, Ann, after attempting to take his own life.

• The doctors try to learn as much as possible about Jim's life, although Ann is not much help since the two are separated.

Act 1, Scene 2

• Ann stays with Jim until he regains consciousness.

• The doctors find out that Jim worked on Broadway as a director and that his age has caused his career to decline, which may be a part of his depression.

• In a telling moment, Jim reveals that he no longer wants to live and he does not want Ann's love.

Act 1, Scene 3

• Two days after being brought into the hospital, Jim is feeling better, and prepares to leave.

• Ann tells Jim about...

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