Through the introduction of Erma, Ted, and Stanley, Walls is able to provide background to Dad’s character. Additionally, she uses irony to illustrate Mom’s lack of understanding of practical matters. Erma, Ted, and Stanley are all rough around the edges. Erma’s cold welcome and Stanley’s whiskey breath indicate that life in Welch is not what Mom imagined it to be. Dad’s reaction to this reunion to his family his quiet but complete relief when offered. The whiskey indicates he is not happy to be back and foreshadows that he left their company for a reason. Dad’s distaste for his family, coupled with Welch’s overall poverty and backwoods ways, makes Mom’s decision to move the family there, as well as her excitement upon their arrival, both ironic and absurd. This is one the most interesting part of the story as it shows the reason why Jeannette distaste her dad in the future.