‘All Summer in a Day’ is set on the planet Venus, where it perpetually rains and the sun only appears once every seven years. The story takes place in a school classroom where a group of children anxiously awaits the rare event of sunlight, which they have been deprived of for their entire lives except for the one child, Margot, who remembers it from years earlier when she lived on Earth. The gloomy and oppressive atmosphere of Venus, combined with the excitement and tension surrounding the sun’s fleeting appearance, creates a stark contrast to the joy and hope that the sun represents for the children.
This setting plays a crucial role in the story, as it amplifies the themes of isolation, jealousy, and the longing for connection. The children’s desire to see the sun reflects their need for warmth and happiness, while Margot’s unique experience highlights her alienation from her peers. Thus, the setting not only serves as a backdrop but also enhances the emotional weight of the story and the character dynamics at play.