How did the time period contribute to the trouble that arose?

Various aspects of the time period can be attributed to the trouble faced in the novel. In the early 1900s there was no birth control, and young women were shunned for having children out of wedlock. Gillette was also courting a socialite, from whom, there would be no tolerance for an illegitimate child. The fact that Gillette was immediatly tried, convicted, and executed for murdering the girl is also in question. Did he really kill her? Did he allow her to drown, did he cause the drowning (murder), or was it an accident? Today, forensic science might be able to answer those questions.... in the time period in question, that was not possible.