Summary

Stage directions suggest that the action of this act begins shortly after Beverly’s funeral as the house has been cleaned up, the study is tidied, and the dining room table has been set, ready for a big family meal. It is also stated that Violet is “relatively sober” as she stands in Beverly’s study, holding a bottle of pills. “Karen and Barbara are in the dining room. Johnna is in the kitchen.”

Alone in Beverly’s study, Violet takes pills as she looks through a copy of “Meadowlark”, and comments ironically on how he dedicated the book to her. She adds that all she can dedicate to him is their daughters, and that what happened is entirely because of him - he made his choice, and it had nothing to do with her.

In the dining room, youngest daughter Karen...