America

The United States of America is the primary, broad-strokes setting for the novel's action (it is important to note that neither the state nor the urban / rural community in which the action takes place is identified). American culture, which arguably and demonstrably tends to be more interested in manifestations of success other than intellectual, provides an interesting, unspoken subtext to this story of a young, athletic man who wins the girl, has personal success, and grows as a human being as a result of emphasizing reading and learning in his life.

The Langston Hughes School for the Arts

This is the school attended by protagonist Nick and his friends. The name of the school is noteworthy, in that Langston Hughes is a real-world, African-American poet, known for his experimental use of language and style. As such, there is the sense that the name of the school is something...