The setting of "Lilies of the Field" is
a remote and desolate area of the American Southwest, most likely
Arizona.
Here's what we know about the setting from the film and novel:
* The story takes place on a Navajo reservation. This establishes a specific cultural context and adds a layer of significance to the struggles of the characters, who are marginalized and isolated.
* The area is extremely dry and barren. The landscape is described as a vast, empty plain with very little vegetation. This emphasizes the harsh conditions the characters face and their dependence on one another for survival.
* The setting is remote and isolated. The characters live in a small, isolated community with limited access to services and resources. This reinforces their reliance on each other and highlights their vulnerability.
* The setting is visually striking. The stark beauty of the desert landscape is used to create a sense of awe and wonder, but also to underscore the challenges of living in such an unforgiving environment.
Specific details mentioned in the film and novel include:
* A small, dilapidated mission building. This serves as the central location for the story and represents the characters' hopes for a better future.
* A dirt road leading to the mission. This reinforces the sense of isolation and the difficulty of reaching the community.
* A nearby mountain range. This provides a backdrop for the story and adds to the sense of vastness and emptiness.
The setting of "Lilies of the Field" is crucial to the story's themes of faith, hope, and resilience in the face of adversity. The harsh and unforgiving environment mirrors the challenges faced by the characters, while the beauty of the landscape offers a sense of peace and inspiration.