Gilead

Gilead is the main setting. It is an old-fashioned Midwestern town in Iowa where life is centered around the church. Gilead represents Lila’s peace and happiness, despite her inability to fully forget her loneliness.

Abandoned Cabin

The abandoned cabin near Gilead is where Lila lives before her engagement to Reverend Ames. She finds the solitude peaceful and struggles with adjusting to the domesticated life of a married woman.

St. Louis

Lila works in a brothel in St. Louis before coming to Gilead, and the shame of her past life leads to much of the awkwardness between her and her husband.

Tammany, IA

At one time, Lila and Doll lived in a house in Tammany, IA where Lila attended schools. This domestic scene represented the life that Doll wanted for her stolen child, yet her crimes forced them to live an unsettled life filled with distrust and fear...