Torch Song Trilogy Summary
Harvey Fierstein

Torch Song Trilogy Summary

Act I: The International Stud, scene 1

The play opens with Arnold reciting a monologue to the audience. This speech sets the stage for the remainder of the play, since Arnold talks of his loneliness and of his need to love and be loved. He relates his disappointments in love and what he is looking for in a partner.

Act I: The International Stud, scenes 2-3

Ed Reiss is introduced, with the scene consisting of Ed's side of a conversation in which he meets Arnold. They are attracted to one another, and the two decide to leave together.

Scene 3 follows a brief exchange, heard over the sounds of a radio, in which Ed and Arnold both confess how scared they are. The scene is a telephone confrontation between Arnold and Ed. It has been some months since the action in scene 2. Arnold, who has been waiting impatiently for Ed to call, finally calls Ed, and it becomes clear that Ed... View more of the Torch Song Trilogy Summary