Describe the setting in the story. What does the interior of the Younger house tell you about the family that lives there?

The Younger home is one that once was attractive, but now shows signs of wear and age because too many people have occupied it for too long without any changes to the furnishings. Evidently, they are also rather poor.

The furnishings that were once carefully selected and arranged attractively are visibly aged despite the crocheted doilies and couch covers meant to disguise the upholstery. The carpet is worn and chairs and a table have been moved to cover thinning areas; other furnishings have been arranged to accommodate an ever-growing family. Hansbury's stage directions state that "weariness has, in fact, won the room," and all "pretenses but living itself have long vanished."

From these stage directions which describe the Younger home, the reader can infer that the family lives in near-poverty. Even with the several family members, there must not be enough income to provide more than the necessities. Obviously, many of the Younger family are not working because they are too young or too old.