How does the setting and time period impact the story? How would the story change if the setting or time period were different?

The setting of this move is a small town in the years after WWI. The main conflict revolves around the character of Tony, a WWI vet, who suffers from PTSD. Note, this disorder was not yet referred to as PTSD at this time, and the military and veteran's hospitals did not treat the illness in the same way. If the novel was set in modern times, Tony would likely be receiving some type of treatment.... he'd have a source of support. This doesn;t mean that he wouldn't be reclusive, only that he would have support, assistance, and hopefully be receiving treatment.