Examine Shaw's description of the scene at the beginning of the play

The setting of the first scene is filled with contrasts, a mixture of old and new, signs of wealth and good taste, and personal belongings that reflect Raina's youth. The furniture is rich, well made, and enduring. Raina's personal items cheap, worthless, and temporary. We know that Raina enjoys reading because of the books piled up on her dresser, we know there's a special someone in her life because his photo sits beside the books, as well as a box of chocolate creams.