Part 1: Act 2, Scene 4 Summary

A split scene, which begins with Roy and Joe at a bar. Roy is drinking heavily.

Joe tells Roy that during her childhood, Harper was abused by her alcoholic father. He says that people do not expect Mormons to have these kinds of problems. He says that it is painful to fall short of your ideals. His conversation reveals that he was initially attracted to Harper's rebellious streak, and the darker aspect of her personality arising from these childhood issues. He suggests that he does not know himself very well. He is worried about leaving Harper, but doubts that she will survive Washington anyway.

Roy talks about his father figure, and says that the father-son relationship is the most crucial. Roy advises Joe not to be afraid of living alone, without responsibility. He has told Joe that he has...