Last Orders Study Guide

Ray is at the pub talking to the bartender, Bernie. He sips at his pint and talks about them not seeing the last of their longtime friend, Jack. Lenny shows up and Ray quickly buys him a drink. Jack's funeral service has just ended, and they make nervous small talk. Lenny is upset that Jack's wife Amy isn't joining the regulars at the pub. Vic, the undertaker, arrives with a small, cardboard box under his arm. He puts it on the counter and the others incredulously gather around to read the card on the side, "Jack Arthur Dodds." Vic orders a whiskey and answers questions about the remains of their friend. He opens the box and pulls out a plastic jar, which the others check for weight and then shake their heads. They wonder if it really is Jack, the butcher. Is it Jack, their old friend? It is both strange and comforting that he worked most of his life across the street from his friend Vic, the undertaker. (read more)