Which sentence best describes the effect of geographical setting on the developing conflict? The stony beach and pine trees make Malaga Island an attractive place for vacationers. Malaga Island is separated from Phippsburg by water, so the two groups are not just racially divided, but also physically divided. Malaga Island is so close to Phippsburg that the townspeople go there all the time. Malaga Island is a wild and barren place, covered in rocks and pine trees, which is why Phippsburg wants to make it into a resort.