Summary and Analysis
Act 1: Fun and Games:
Scene vi
This very short scene involves Martha's narrating a story about how at the beginning of World War II, her father wanted everyone in good physical condition, so one day when people had boxing gloves on, she put on a pair and accidentally knocked George into a huckleberry bush.
The actual boxing scene between George and Martha corresponds to their constant verbal sparring. As with the first act of the drama, Martha wins the first round of the boxing match, but George will be the ultimate victor in the final contest. As Martha relates the story, she tells the young people that "It was funny, but it was awful." This phrase characterizes her attitude about their entire marital relationship.