How does the setting function in the story "The Snows of Kilimanjaro"?

"The Snows of Kilimanjaro" is a short story by Ernest Hemingway that takes place on the African savanna; The protagonist, Harry, and his wife are sitting outside having a discussion about his leg, which is decomposing at a worrying rate. The two are waiting for a plane to arrive for medical treatment for Harry. Everything about the savanna is a reflection of Harry's physical state; this is a hot, unfamiliar, confusing, dismal place. Harry does not feel welcomed here, nor is he comfortable. In fact, Harry longs to be near Kilimanjaro, which he sees as a symbol of truth, purity, and benevolence; he reminisces about the peak with ardent fondness throughout this story. Since his decaying leg is a constant reminder of his decaying soul, it is no wonder that he needs to be reminded of something that exudes purity.
Flashbacks are also part of the setting, and there are several throughout this story. As he gets sicker, his flashbacks become intermingled with real life, and it becomes difficult for him to distinguish one from the other. At one point he actually feels Death's breath upon him. In the next scene, however, Harry is boarding a plane and is flown right up to the peak of Kilimanjaro. At this point, Harry

knew that there was where he was going.

Then the woman wakes up because the hyena has finally stopped making one sound and started making another, and she realizes that Harry has died. Only in death is Harry physically free to ascend to Kilimanjaro. Until then, his diseased body was bound to a diseased place.