Describe the most prominent setting in the novel. How does the setting contribute to the theme?

The Gaines family home provides a sanctuary for Earl away from the violence and noise of his own home. It is at this location that Greg and Earl first watch Aguirre, the Wrath of God and it is here that the boys first begin to make films together. Although the Gaines family home represents safety and stability for Earl, that is not entirely the case for Greg. Greg doesn’t feel entirely at ease in his own home because of his mom’s frequent interference in his life. Greg’s mom regularly disturbs him at home when he wants to be alone and eavesdrops on Greg and Rachel when they are watching a movie together and interrupts them to tell Rachel that Greg makes his own films. As with all contrasts in the novel between Earl and Greg, the relatively minor downsides of life in the Gaines family home are used to highlight how much easier Greg’s life is than Earl’s.