Act 1, Scene 4 Summary

The fourth scene has progressed to the hotel tearoom where Lewis and Warnie sit waiting for the American. Warnie is skeptical about her intentions, but Lewis remains casual. Joy enters with her son Douglas, who does not recognize the author how he imagined. Joy is candid in her admiration of Lewis' talent and speaks of her husband, Bill back in New York. Douglas asks Lewis to sign his copy of The Magician's Nephew and questions whether the story is true. It is soon revealed that Joy too is an author, a poet who shared a national poetry award with Robert Frost. She claims to write no longer, having chosen to focus her energy outward. Lewis begins to develop a deep respect for Joy when she calls him on his debating strategy. They make plans for a home-brewed cup of tea before...