Here's a breakdown of the key elements:
* Time: 2081, a future where the government has achieved "total equality" through enforced handicaps.
* Place: The story takes place in a generic American city, but the specific location isn't crucial to the plot.
* Society: The story depicts a society obsessed with equality, where everyone is made "equal" through physical and mental handicaps. This creates a stifling environment where individuality and talent are suppressed.
* Atmosphere: The atmosphere is oppressive and unsettling, characterized by fear, conformity, and a sense of constant monitoring.
The setting plays a crucial role in conveying the story's themes of individuality, freedom, and the dangers of enforced equality. It's a world where the government controls every aspect of life, leaving no room for human potential to flourish.