That culminated into a lower class society full of workers that received enough money to survive, though living in their affordable conditions (basic level schools, dirty streets, almost no treated water, etc.). These workers mostly did physical jobs being construction workers, plumbers, carpenters, and longshoreman.
Therefore, the atmosphere established by the book is of dreams long ago shredded which went through the mouth of the world and were digested by it. No one there should be seeing to achieve nothing more than what they have. Since most of them are immigrants and do not speak "proper" English, society out of it would not accept them.
Alfieri's atmosphere when he is talking to himself and others is a reflective duty. He reflects upon Eddie's situation (rhetorical Questions) while he continues saying and won't ever change his mind about law
Eddie's atmosphere is always heavy and negative. We see him as a content person in the beginning of the book, but from there, there is just rock bottom for him. As Rodolfo comes, we can see Eddies true nature in the adverbs, verbs, and adjectives that describe his actions and with slangs and imperatives which describe his words. Everything is just a struggle for Eddie and he can-t control his sorrow and rage, making us fear for everyone near him and somentimes for himself.