how important is the setting and time period to the story?how would it have played out differently in a different stetting?what about a different time period?

The setting is very important to story, as is its time period. Note, the time and the place dictate the occurences. We have no concrete forms of communication, transportation is difficult, neighborly behavior is a must.

In a different time period....... say the present day; Communicaton isn't a problem, transportation is a given (we even have ambulances), but we also have to remember that this story if filled with surreal events that would be considered thus regardless.