Part 1: Act 1, Scene 3 Summary

This is a split scene, in which Harper (Joe's wife) is at home alone on one part of the stage, listening to a radio and talking to herself. The character notes and stage direction say this is a common activity for her. Later in the course of the scene, the other half of the stage is occupied by the rabbi Chemelwitz, who is reciting a Kaddish (Jewish prayer for the dead) over the casket of Sarah Ironson, back at the funeral home. The play frequently makes use of these split scenes to show how themes from the private lives of characters reflect upon the events that are taking place elsewhere.

Harper is lamenting the collapse of traditions. She talks about the ozone layer, which she thinks is actually a circle of guardian angels, forming a protective layer around the...