Act 2 Summary

As the second act begins, Claire is seen inside an unusual room inside a tower, which is not completely round. There are some rough edges and unfinished masonry to give the room a feeling of incompleteness. Claire is seated near a window browsing through a book of drawings when Claire hears Harry and Adelaide, Claire's sister, climbing the stairs up to the room. Adelaide, who has raised Elizabeth, Claire's daughter, has come to address some issues about Claire and then about Elizabeth.

In addition to not being a responsible wife to Harry, Adelaide chastises Claire for her lack of affection and attention for Elizabeth. Claire has no interest in what Adelaide thinks is respectable and cares very little for societal constraints and typical female roles. Claire's behavior borders on the insolent, and Harry informs Claire that Dr. Emmons, the psychiatrist, will be a...