Part 1: Mother - Arthur Summary

This section opens with a description of Alice's mother whom Alice simply calls "Mother." In particular, Alice describes Mother's unusual behavior. Among other things, Mother rubs her back against parts of the house, backs into corners, slides out from under curtains, and beats broomsticks against the floor. When Mother talks, she speaks as though her thoughts are elsewhere.

Mother and Alice live with Walter. Walter spends his time listening to classical music and drinking whiskey. Walter's relationship with Mother is troubled, if not abusive. Mother's relationship with Walter is contrasted with her relationship with Alice's father whom Alice calls "Father." Alice recalls an episode from her past before Father died. Father spoke of taking Mother and Alice to Florida. They all regard Florida like a kind of utopia. Florida is a place where the family will not...