Act 2 Summary

It is the following morning, and John pauses during mopping the kitchen floor to read his poem, "The River Niger," which he finds to his satisfaction. Dudley enters the house, and John asks if he wants to go to the Apple bar with him. Dudley tells John that Mattie had come into his office this morning and tests indicate some abnormalities in her remaining breast. He has her scheduled for some biopsies at Harlem hospital.

Mattie does not want John to know about her condition, but Dudley thinks it best to warn John ahead of time, so that he can prepare. John and Dudley leave for the bar, and Mattie discusses her family with Ann, who thinks that alcohol abuse is a big problem with them. Mattie loves John dearly for what he gave up to take care of her family, and Grandma...