Part 1: Act 1, Scene 7 Summary

The stage direction describes this as a "mutual dream scene."

Prior Walter appears in one of Harper's frequent, Valium-induced hallucinations, and she appears simultaneously in his dream.

Prior is applying makeup before a mirror, and acting like a female matinee idol. He is talking to himself, eloquently, about the human desire for grace and beauty. He curses the fact that his disease has robbed him of these wishes. He laughs at his makeup job.

Harper appears. Both are confused as to what the other is doing in their dream/hallucination. She naively asks why he is wearing makeup. Prior pretends that he is shocked, and makes a big show of slashing his throat dramatically with a lipstick. Harper explains that she has emotional problems, and takes too many pills. Prior says he stole the makeup from Macy's because he...