Summary

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Act I
The first act unfolds just outside Joe Clarke’s store. On this Saturday afternoon, several men have gathered on the porch to chat, chew sugar cane, whittle wood, or play cards. Children are playing in the dirt near the store, while women come and go as they shop. This act introduces several minor characters who briefly appear on stage before leaving. The first to interrupt the gossiping men is Mrs. Roberts, a large woman who persistently nags Clarke into giving her more credit and meat. After she departs with her meat, the conversation shifts to a mule bone that someone brings into the store.

The audience learns that the bone belongs to a legendary mule known for its exceptional strength, stubbornness, and even maliciousness. The men then turn their talk to Daisy, a particularly beautiful young woman. However, the topic shifts again when two other young women, Teets and Bootsie, enter. Both of these women once dated Jim and Dave, but now both men are infatuated with Daisy.

Through this, the audience discovers that Jim and Dave, lifelong best friends, are now vying for the affection of the same woman. It becomes apparent that their friendship has suffered due to Daisy’s involvement. Daisy makes a brief appearance and is asked which man she favors, but she refuses to choose. As the men continue to gossip on Clarke’s porch, a short discussion about religion takes place, revealing a conflict between the town’s Methodists and Baptists. The audience also learns that the town lacks a jail, and the town marshal is essentially Clarke's errand boy, as Clarke holds sway over most town affairs.

Eventually, Jim and Dave arrive. They have earned some money by playing and singing, and when Daisy requests a performance, they oblige. Although there is some playful rivalry between the two men, it remains under control until Jim notices Dave dancing with Daisy in a corner. Jim stops playing, leading to an argument between the two over Daisy. Dave and Daisy then enter the store to buy soda, and as they leave, Dave accidentally steps on Jim’s foot. This triggers a fight, and Jim hits Dave on the head with the mule bone, knocking him unconscious. Clarke orders the marshal to arrest Jim and lock him in the barn.

Act II, Scene 1
This scene unfolds on a street where a notice about the upcoming trial is being posted on a tree. Several women gather and engage in conversation. Through their discussion, the audience learns that Clarke harbors strong animosity toward the Methodists, particularly their minister, Elder Simms. They reveal that this is because Simms is the only person who challenges Clarke, who has dominated the town ever since purchasing land and establishing its foundation.

As Clarke arrives, the women confront him about his intent to prosecute Jim. Clarke justifies his actions as necessary for maintaining order. The arrival of more women from the town leads to a confrontation filled with accusations about religious differences. Even the town's children join in the argument. By the scene's conclusion, both the Methodists and Baptists leave the stage to prepare for the trial.

Act II, Scene 2
The trial takes place in the Baptist church. The scene begins with intense arguing that almost turns violent, requiring two women to be restrained. Clarke attempts to impose order but achieves limited success. When he requests that all witnesses move to the front of the church, nearly everyone stands up. Upon questioning, they claim a biblical right to testify, despite not being present during the incident. Another issue arises when Daisy’s mother refuses to...

(This entire section contains 915 words.)

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allow her daughter's name to be mentioned in court.

Testimonies finally commence with Marshal Lum, who admits he saw nothing. In fact, none of those called are willing to testify against Jim. Ultimately, Dave is compelled to recount the events. As it seems Jim might be convicted, Elder Simms, the Methodist minister, mounts a defense based on the Bible, arguing it does not recognize a mule bone as a weapon. Simms contends that Jim cannot be guilty of assault without a weapon acknowledged by the Bible. Elder Childers, the Baptist minister, counters by citing the Bible, which states an ass bone killed thousands, asserting that since a mule descends from an ass, its bone is more dangerous. Clarke adopts this argument, declaring Jim guilty and ordering his banishment from the town.

Act III
The act begins just outside the town, where Jim is getting ready to depart. Daisy arrives, heading into town to find out about the trial. She is visibly upset by the situation, as she insists she never wished for any hostility between Jim and Dave. When Dave arrives, the two men start arguing about Daisy. Daisy is asked to make a choice, and after Jim makes the most romantic promise, she chooses him. However, when she demands that he get a proper job and stop playing his guitar, Jim hands her over to Dave. Daisy seems to accept this change without much trouble, but then Dave declares that he, like Jim, does not want to work as a yardman or handyman, which is what Daisy desires.

Ultimately, Dave prefers singing and dancing over working as Daisy's husband. Feeling rejected, Daisy exits the stage. Dave and Jim decide to continue their entertainment act together and plan to return to town. Even though Jim has been banished, it is evident that neither man is afraid of Clarke or his authority.

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Themes

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