In A Passage to Georgia, the story unfolds in early 18th century London, where General James Oglethorpe, a member of Parliament, is depicted as a man caught between duty and the harsh realities of society. His mother, Lady Oglethorpe, is critical of his lack of impactful contributions in Parliament, where he has spent seven years without making a significant mark. The tension between mother and son sets the stage for Oglethorpe's internal conflict about his role in society and his responsibilities to his friends.