Home

The entire novel takes place in the family’s apartment in an unnamed city. They do not seem to have a large living space because the boy often emphasizes how he can always hear the news no matter where he is, and he is always apprised of what his siblings are doing. The home feels constrained and small because they are confined and quarantined as well due to their father’s coronavirus diagnosis.

City

The novel takes place in the city and there exists a juxtaposition between the chaos and violence of the city and the peace of nature. While the city could represent the value of community and shared spaces, it takes on its own character and appears fiercely individual.