Summary

In a courtroom, back in the city of Nuka, where the play began, Grusha sits the governor’s former cook, discussing her chances in the trial. The cook has heard rumors about Azdak, the drunk judge, and thinks her chances are fairly decent, considering the circumstances. The cook also informs Grusha that Simon feels hurt by her actions, but as he approaches the two former palace servants, Simon tells Grusha that he is willing to testify that he’s the child’s father, a testimony of his own faithfulness to Grusha. Azdak is late to court, and Grusha starts to worry about seeing the Ironshirt corporal she assaulted in her flight with Michael from the palace into the mountains. Just as she articulates these fears, the corporal enters the room, and looking her, clearly makes the conscious decision to not...