Scene 6, Part 1 Summary

The scene begins with Tom explaining that the next night the Gentleman Caller (Jim) came to dinner. He describes Jim's high school successes in debating, sports, and the annual musical and explains that since that time Jim has become less successful. Tom reveals that Jim's job at the warehouse is only slightly better than his own and says that the reason he and Jim are friends is that he still remembers some of Jim's former glory, which is something that Jim counts on. He mentions that Laura and Jim knew each other, but that he doubts that Jim remembers Laura at all.

As Tom finishes speaking, the light comes up on the living room, where Amanda is hemming a dress for Laura. The room is clean and tidy, there is a new lamp, and Laura's hair has been re-styled into something...