The language and meaning of the story is interpreted through each character's eyes and changes with the point of view. Some of the characters are miserable with their "lot in life" and that they never gave themselves the chance to live for themselves. Some are financially successful while others are not and the envy comes through in their thoughts and conversations. These characters have known each other for most of their long lives. There are many deep-seated emotions laying just under the surface that affect how they interact.