How essential is setting to the story? Could the story have taken place anywhere else?? Could the story have taken place anywhere else? In the monkeys paw

The story might have taken place anywhere... although the isolation of the White's home is somewhat integral to the plot. The weather is also an important facet, but we have to remember that there are all types of storms.... snow, torrential rains, wind storms.... each would have the same effect (in my opinion).