While the precise year isn't specified, the story takes place in a period after World War II, as indicated by references to a "war" and the characters' age.
The setting is crucial to the story, as it reflects the themes of isolation, societal norms, and the impact of the past on the present. The small town setting, with its tightly-knit community and traditional ways, emphasizes the loneliness and alienation experienced by the protagonist, William Tavener. The rural environment also plays a role in highlighting the characters' limited horizons and the slow pace of life.