Summary

Pages 101 – 130. As the conversation between Henry and the taxidermist continues, the taxidermist reveals that he chose these two particular animals for work on his play because of their characteristics and resourcefulness, and he reads Henry a few more excerpts. The first excerpt is the list of characters, which includes a reference to “a boy and his two friends” (104). The second excerpt explores the question of faith (which, Virgil suggests in the scene, cannot exist without doubt). The third excerpt explores the play’s setting, which Henry is surprised to learn is a country called The Shirt. As the taxidermist explains that The Shirt, which is lined with blue and gray stripes, is symbolic, Henry finds himself reminded of something, but not entirely sure what. Then the taxidermist reads the third scene, one in which Beatrice encourages Virgil to pray, in spite of his experience...