Oklahoma

The main setting of the novel is the state of Oklahoma, specifically eastern Oklahoma. Maud and her family live on their Indian allotment land in the river bottoms. They live in a rural area and farm the land. The area is crawling with poisonous snakes making it dangerous for Maud to go walking without carrying a stick to scare off the snakes. Maud hates the rural area she lives in and longs to move to the city where she believes she can live a better life with indoor plumbing, electricity, and an education.

Maud’s House

Maud’s house is a ramshackle building that she shares with her father and brother. She is embarrassed by the poor condition of the house and is reluctant to let anyone outside of the family inside. There are pieces of cardboard covering holes. Maud often lies in bed looking at a crack...