Martha and Karen’s lives are turned upside down and through the dark imagery and diction, Hellman creates a depressing atmosphere. Martha says, “It gets dark so early now” (Hellman 64). The darkness Martha is experiencing is a result of the depressing spirits they have. Events before this phrase lead the reader to believe that all is dark in Karen and Martha's lives. Mrs. Mortar, the money-greedy aunt of Martha, is back in their lives because she is broke, but she has already broken Karen and Martha, by her lack of appearance in court to save them from humiliation and exile. Karen and Joe are now unengaged, which adds to the rumor of Karen and Martha being lovers. Not only do darkness represent the depressing and trying time in their lives,
