As the scene opens, we are introduced to the protagonist, a young man who has just returned from his first day of class. He is eager to prove his worth to his employer, but he is also aware that he is in danger of losing his job if he does not act quickly. As he is about to leave, he is interrupted by his supervisor, who tells him that he has been dismissed from his job because of his excessive drinking. The supervisor tells the protagonist that he will be fired if he fails to comply with the supervisor's orders. The protagonist, however, is determined to prove himself worthy of the promotion, and he does so by drinking heavily. When the supervisor leaves, the protagonist is left alone with his thoughts. He realizes that he must act quickly if he is to have any chance of retaining his job.