Act 3, Part 1 Summary

As the act begins, the set consists of the ruins (crooked walls, overturned furniture) of the Antrobus home from Act 1. There is the glow of fire in the background. Sabina appears in rags, calling for Mrs. Antrobus and Gladys. Fitzpatrick, the stage hand from Act 2, appears, followed by all the members of the company. He explains that several actors have been taken ill with food poisoning. He announces that members of the company's production team, including a couple of costume assistants, will be taking over the roles of the ill performers. He describes the roles they are to play - the hours of the night as portrayed by philosophers. In other words, the substitute actors play the philosophers playing the time. Fitzpatrick briefly coaches the replacements. Their lines refer to the futility of everyday life and to the power of the...