Sand City, Kansas

Sand City is a fictional Kansas town in which the story is set. Sand City is fairly remote and rural, with agriculture and farm management as the primary industries. Harvey grew up in Sand City and had a miserable childhood there, as his mother was generally cruel. After going to the east coast and becoming a renowned sculptor, Harvey dies of a terminal illness at the age of 40, and his body is returned to Sand City to be interred. The story represents Sand City’s culture as generally toxic, as the townsmen are generally greedy and obsessed with money.

The Merrick Residence

Much of the story takes place in the home of Harvey’s parents. The home is in Sand City. Jim, Henry, and various townsmen deliver Harvey’s body and coffin to the home. Henry is struck by how ugly the home’s decor is...