Act 1, Scene 3, Summary

It is mid-July, early in the evening. There are banners in the living room, one wishing Norman a happy birthday, the other welcoming Chelsea home. Ethel enters the room and attempts to shoo the moths off the screen door. Norman comes into the room with a tie on. Ethel comments on his appearance, complaining that she has yet to get dressed herself. Norman asks Ethel if she realizes that Chelsea has gone through her childbearing years without having children. Ethel admits that she knows that and comments that all of Chelsea's boyfriends were timid around Norman. Norman suggests that perhaps he should have told her husband or one of her boyfriends how to get her pregnant.

Ethel suggests pointedly to Norman that he should try to get along with Chelsea and her new boyfriend. Norman agrees. The loons began their cry...