Under Milk Wood

Afternoon begins in Llareggub as the children are let out of the school. They run through the streets, singing songs and playing games. A girl named Gwennie plays a game in which the boys must either kiss her or “give her a penny” (43). While some of the boys are keen to play, a boy named Dickie is reluctant. He remembers his mother warning him not to kiss girls, and additionally, he does not have a penny to pay Gwennie. The other girls notice his apprehension and chase him to his house, then go to the shop to spend their money on candy. The schoolteacher, Gossamer Beynon, also finishes her day. She thinks about Sinbad Sailors, the owner of local the pub. She believes that he is an attractive man, even if he is “common.” Sinbad is also attracted to Gossamer but believes that she is too proud and too “educated” to ever be attracted to him.

Elsewhere, Mr. Pugh shares lunch with his wife. He barely listens to his wife’s gossip about Polly Garter, choosing instead to focus his attention on a book titled “Lives of the Great Poisoners” (47). He lies to his wife, telling her that the book is about the lives of saints.