The Lamp at noon is set in the 1930's, during the disastrous period of the Dust Bowl. During the story, the setting contributes to how the Characters act. It makes them confused and insane because of the fear of hopelessness. for example, Ellen is very cautious about her son, she tries her best to protect her son from deadly dust fluttering everywhere. However, because of Ellen's over-cautiousness that led to the babies death when trying to escape the stormy weather. Ironically, Ellen doesn't realize her babies death. In the story, the setting also isolates the Characters from the outside world. This makes Ellen feel very lonely. in addition the setting reveals how different characters react to the environment. Paul is determined to enrich the farm, while Ellen is eager to give it all up and move back to the city.
