Act 2, Scene 2 Summary

As this scene opens, the soldiers are lounging in the barracks with Richie after returning from their trip to town. Richie is telling the others about a dream he had about his father leaving when he was five years old. Carlyle tells about never knowing his father even though he knew who he was.

Richie and Carlyle criticize Billy for being educated. They begin flirting with each other. Billy notices the flirting and is frightened because he does not know how to handle the situation.

Richie and Carlyle ask Roger and Billy to give them some time alone. Roger rolls over to go to sleep; Billy refuses to sleep or to leave the room. Roger tires of the ruckus and leaves the room altogether.

Billy and Carlyle get in a fight. Billy throws a shoe at Carlyle in frustration. Carlyle pulls...