Scipio

Scipio is the small town that houses both the university and the prison. Scipio is the setting for much of the story.

Vietnam

Vietnam is a country that was once at war in the 1960s and 1970s with American and communist countries using Vietnam as a proxy for their respective political goals. The Vietnam War was very unpopular in the U.S. Eugene serves in Vietnam and comes to dislike his country's foreign policy because of the terrible evils he sees committed in Vietnam.

Tarkington College

Tarkington College is the small university for educationally-challenged students. It was founded to help especially students who have dyslexia. It is located in Scipio, across the lake from Athena Prison.

Athena Prison

Athena Prison is the all-black inmate prison located across the lake from Tarkington College. It is managed by an outside company of private Japanese investors.

Mohiga Valley

The Mohiga...