Summary

Scene 5 – Ivy and Barbara are in the dining room. Initially, their conversation refers to how “clean” Violet is from her drug use, with Barbara saying that things are improving – not perfect, but improving. Ivy worries about whether to tell Violet about her and Little Charles, and Barbara tries to talk her out of the whole idea. As Johnna brings them a catfish dinner, Violet appears, making her way to the dining room. Barbara speaks roughly and crudely to Ivy; Ivy asks “who are you to speak to me like this?” and at that moment, Violet appears, intending to join Ivy and Barbara at the dinner table.

Barbara calls for Johnna to bring another serving of fish, which she does and then goes out, saying she’ll eat in her room. An argument ensues over whether Violet is going to eat, which Ivy...