The setting in the story evokes the mood of the story which is of gloom and sorrow.

The darkness and snow, in the beginning, represents the protagonist's grief and melancholy and also gives the readers an insight into his mind and situation. Iona appears to have lost interest in his surroundings because his movements appeared phantom-like and neglectful. This description of the setting sets the mood for a story of suffering as this environment is ever present in Iona's mind and in his life.

By the end of the story, he ends up in a similar situation as he has been coldly rejected by everyone he tried to share his suffering with and left in darkness and solitude.