The Boss' Office
The story is set in the boss' city office. Mr. Woodifield admires the office and the boss expresses his satisfaction at the compliments. The two rehearse a well-known script, with the boss pointing out renovations in the office as he has done many times before. The descriptions of "the bright red carpet with a pattern of large white rings," the "massive bookcase," the table "with legs like twisted treacle," and the electric heating with coils like "transparent, pearly sausages" in the pan serve to augment the boss' status and sense of masculine self-worth.
The Son's Grave in Belgium
Mr. Woodifield describes the grave of the boss' son with colloquialisms and detailed imagery. He notes that the graves are "beautifully looked after" and that they "couldn't be better if they were at home." The cemetery is large and "neat as a garden," complete with "nice broad paths." These images emphasize Mr. Woodifield's satisfaction with the quality and appearance of the graves.
