The Homecoming

It is afternoon, and the men of the family smoke cigars after lunch. Max takes the opportunity to tell Ruth about his married life with Jessie. Jessie, he says, “…was the backbone to this family” (46), giving the men moral instruction. Max, meanwhile, worked long hours in the butchery trade, never quite sealing the big payday that would put the family on easy street. The memory of a deal that went poorly sours Max’s mood. He turns to berating Sam and his sons, as well as calling Jessie, whom only moments ago he described in glowing terms, a “slutbitch” (47). Sam leaves for work under a barrage of aspersions against his ability as a driver and even his sexuality.

As if nothing has happened, Max asks after Teddy. He praises his son for his choice of wife and expresses pride in Teddy acquiring his doctorate in America. Max also wonders if Teddy and Ruth’s three sons are missing their parents. Teddy is sure they are. Lenny steers the conversation towards concerns he has about the integrity of the Church, but Teddy politely declines Lenny’s questions.