The novel unfolds primarily in the fictional English village of East Lynne, during the Victorian era. This locale provides the backdrop for a domestic drama centered around family, social expectations, and the consequences of transgression. The descriptions of the village, the manor house, and the surrounding countryside create a vivid picture of 19th-century rural life.
The carefully constructed environment plays a crucial role in the narrative. It establishes a sense of place and time, influencing the characters’ behaviors and shaping their destinies. The contrast between the idyllic faade of village life and the turbulent emotions hidden beneath contributes to the novel’s dramatic tension. Understanding the social and cultural context of this period illuminates the significance of events and themes within the story, such as social class, reputation, and moral judgment.
