What would be the setting for a sad story?

"A Sorrowful Woman" is set in a society commonly referred to as male dominated.

In those days, women were limited in what they could do. The unnamed protagonist while she clearly loves her husband to some degree, feels trapped because of the restrictions placed upon her by society, and has had enough of the marriage and the life in which she lives. The setting is also revealed in the time she spends cutting off herself from her family, both physically and emotionally. She spends time in her room, communicating only by passing notes under the door.