Summary

Scene Six is titled “The Science of Hanging.” Brewer watches as Ketch prepares to measure Liz prior to her being hanged. He is reluctant, but Brewer insists. Liz does not move, in spite of Ketch saying he can make the hanging relatively painless if he has the right measurements. He also says that he has never hung a woman. Brewer reminds him that he has hung a boy, Thomas Barrett, and speaks in the boy’s voice. Brewer then shouts at Liz, who still does not move. He then lifts her bodily to standing, and Ketch measures her, saying that he has heard that Clark is talking to Phillip in the hopes that the execution will be put off at least until after the play is done. He again says he does not want to do the execution, but promises to...