Part 1: Act 1, Scene 9 Summary

Roy Cohn is at the office of his doctor, Henry, who is explaining to him how the HIV virus works. Roy demands to know what this has to do with him. Henry says he expects recent tests to confirm that Roy is suffering from AIDS. Roy is angry, because he does not want to be labeled as an AIDS victim, and by association, a homosexual. He will lose power and influence if this becomes known. He tells the doctor he will describe his condition as liver cancer instead. Henry says he needs to use his influence to get a place on a clinical trial, as medical science offers no other options.

Part 1: Act 1, Scene 9 Analysis

AIDS affects people irrespective of social rank. A powerful, well-known man like Roy is just as capable of succumbing to it as a man...