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Setting refers to the context in
time (both time period and time
span) and place
(including social environment and physical features) in which the action of a
story occurs. Place or setting is seldom insignificant or unrelated to a
larger historical context: it helps readers recognize/interpret symbolism,
behavior, significance, commentary, action.
The ways in which setting may help shape a story:
- setting as mirror: character mood, emotions
- setting as mold: can shape character (spiritual wasteland of suburbia,
small decaying town, farm)
- setting as challenge: unusual and difficult
- setting as escape: help us encounter facets of personality denied an
outlet in ordinary world
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Acknowledgements |
Dr. Robert Burroughs, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA.
Perrine, Laurence. Literature: Structure,
Sound, and Sense. 4th ed.
NY: Harcourt, 1983.
Roberts, Edgar V. and Henry E. Jacobs. Literature: An Introduction to Reading
and Writing. 4th ed. NJ: Prentice Hall, 1995. |
Updated:
08.18.07 |
