The story takes place in a future where urbanization has largely eliminated natural elements like trees from urban environments. This is evident when the narrator mentions that most people have not seen a tree, and they describe the existence of artificial plastic trees rather than real ones. The time frame suggests a significant period has passed since the "turn of the century," indicating a long-term impact of urban development on nature.
The setting is crucial in revealing the theme of loss and the desire for connection to nature. The excitement around seeing a real tree, especially after living in a sterile, synthetic environment, underscores a deep yearning for the natural world. The narrator's description of the tree as having "a fresh, living odor" contrasts sharply with the "antiseptic world outside" filled with metal and plastic. The discovery of the tree, an "oke," becomes a moment of wonder and awe for the family, particularly for the narrator, who seems to feel a profound emotional connection to it.
Moreover, the impending demolition of the O’Brien home and the tree illustrates the relentless march of urbanization, highlighting the theme of environmental degradation and the fleeting nature of beauty in a constructed world. The narrator's sadness about the tree's fate resonates with the sense of loss that permeates the story, making the reader reflect on the value of nature amidst the ever-growing urban landscape. This emotional weight is deepened by the detail that the tree will be removed to make way for an insurance building, symbolizing priorities that disregard natural beauty in favor of profit and development.