a man standing outside a house he built
This person built his own house and is admiring his work.
Dog is eating the mans food and running away
Malamud used biblical overtones in his writing.
John inquired from the smoking-room where Mr. Cavendish was.
The people at the table are just beginning to order their food.
The children are on a spaceship to mars.
There are people and food outside.
a group of people are together