The novel takes place during the summer of 1942 and the spring of 1943. The specific time period is crucial to the story, as it captures the anxieties and uncertainties of a nation at war.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of the setting:
* Devon School: A fictional school based on a real prep school called Exeter Academy. It's a place of privilege and tradition, where the boys are shielded from the harsh realities of war. However, the war casts a long shadow over their lives, and the boys are deeply affected by the sense of impending doom.
* New Hampshire: The idyllic setting of the school, nestled in the beautiful New Hampshire countryside, provides a sharp contrast to the anxieties and traumas of war. The novel explores the juxtaposition between the tranquil world of Devon and the chaos of the outside world.
* Summer of 1942 and spring of 1943: This period is significant as it marks the escalating involvement of the United States in World War II. The sense of urgency and fear is palpable, and the characters' decisions are shaped by the looming threat of war.
The setting plays a crucial role in the novel's themes of innocence, loss, and the passage of time. Devon School becomes a microcosm of the larger world, reflecting the complexities and contradictions of the war era.