1. Climate: Texas is known for its hot and dry climate, which is well-suited for the harsh environment of Camp Green Lake. The extreme temperatures and lack of water create a challenging and oppressive setting, adding to the sense of hardship faced by the boys who are sent to the camp.
2. Geography: Texas is a vast and diverse state with various landscapes, including deserts, mountains, and plains. This diversity allowed Sachar to create a setting that is both unique and believable. He could incorporate different geographical elements to enhance the story's atmosphere and challenges, such as the dried-up lake, the surrounding desert, and the rugged terrain.
3. Cultural Context: Texas has a rich cultural heritage and a strong sense of identity. Sachar could draw upon the state's distinctive culture, traditions, and folklore to add depth to the story. By choosing Texas as the setting, he could explore themes related to regionalism, identity, and belonging, which are central to the novel's themes of personal growth and self-discovery.
4. Symbolism: Texas is often associated with symbols of justice and authority, such as the Texas Rangers and the Alamo. By using Texas as the setting, Sachar could evoke these symbols and explore the themes of punishment, redemption, and the search for justice that are woven into the novel's plot.
5. Familiarity: Texas is a well-known state in the United States and has a certain level of familiarity for readers. By setting the story in Texas, Sachar could create a sense of connection between the fictional events of the novel and readers' own knowledge and experiences, making it more relatable and immersive.
