The locale in Katherine Paterson’s novel is crucial to understanding the narrative’s themes. This environment, primarily rural Virginia during the Vietnam War era, shapes the characters’ experiences and informs the creation of their imaginative escape.
The physical environment, characterized by rolling hills, dense woods, and a creek, provides both the backdrop and the raw materials for the protagonists’ fantasy world. The historical period, marked by national anxiety and social change, implicitly influences the characters’ desire for solace and control, which they find through their shared imaginative space. Furthermore, economic realities of the characters’ families are subtly woven into the backdrop, impacting daily life and limiting opportunities.
