The Good Woman Of Setzuan

Shen Te and Sun’s wedding party is taking place at “a cheap restaurant in the suburbs” (60). Sun and his mother are conversing, worried because Shen Te has told Sun that she cannot sell the shop Mrs. Yang says, “Of course you can’t marry her now” (60). Sun reassures her that he has invited Shui Ta who he is sure will see reason. Since Sun took the 200 silver dollars meant to pay the rent, they will lose the store anyways so they might as well sell it. They return to the wedding party and toast the marriage. Mrs. Yang tells the priest and guests that they are waiting to begin the wedding because a special guest has not yet arrived. The party agrees since there is plenty of wine. Shen Te questions Sun, and Sun deflects by asking about her cousin. Shen Te is disturbed that Sun seems to like Shui Ta, asserting, “Because you shouldn’t get on well with him. If you love me, you can’t love him” (62). Sun responds by hoping that Shui Ta will be detained and unable to make it. The priest announces that he needs to leave, and Mrs. Yang tells everyone that they are waiting for Shui Ta.