Act II takes place one week after Act I. A tired Kate works around the house while Eugene writes outside. He reveals that Jack had a heart attack as a result of overworking himself and was ordered to take a two-week break. Jack is struggling with this demand and worries that he will be bedridden for life. Stanley interrupts Eugene’s writing to say he has a secret to tell him. Eugene says if it’s more about Nora, he is uninterested because he is annoyed with her now that she has a boyfriend, and she is snubbing the family after the discussion of her audition.

Eugene is worried about his brother, and later goes to check on him. He is surprised to find him smoking a cigarette and looking upset. Stanley confesses that he lost his entire salary gambling and is unsure how to proceed. He feels guilty since the money is especially important to support the family through Jack’s bedrest. Stanley asks Eugene to help him brainstorm excuses for where the money went. When Eugene suggests fabricating a hole in his pocket, Stanley says that won’t work, as he’s already used that excuse after seeing a prostitute.