Act 1 Summary

Note: As is correct in British English, in this play "Mr" and other abbreviated forms of address are spelled without punctuation.

As the play begins, Kath is showing a parlor room in her house to Mr Sloane, a prospective boarder. After a brief discussion about the terms of lodging, Sloane agrees to take the room. The conversation quickly turns personal. Kath reveals that she had a son who died and that she is a widow. Without any prompting, a few moments later, Kath confesses that her son was illegitimate and that she was never married. Her sudden intimacy doesn't seem to faze Sloane, who appears to take everything in stride.

Kath becomes more and more flirtatious, finally wrapping Sloane's arms around her and giving him what she calls a "motherly kiss." Telling Sloane that he needs "a bit of luxury," Kath asks whether...