Setting is generally a physical locale that shapes the story’s mood, it’s emotional aura and quality.
Whether real or imagined, setting is the emotional backdrop of a story.
Setting is important because… Setting shows internal and external conflicts Setting highlights potential contrasts between characters or ideas
Setting can also… • Determine the fate of the protagonist • Reflect character and embody theme
• If Victor Frankenstein does all his experiments in a “solitary chamber, or rather a cell at the top of the house, and separated from all other apartments by a staircase” we may conclude that there is something anti-social, isolated, stale, and even unnatural about his character.
Types of Setting
PHYSICAL SETTING Time of Day Weather / Temperature Season Indoors / Outdoors Imagery: 5 Senses
GEOGRAPHICAL Location Neighborhood Street City Floor / Level/ Apartment Urban / Rural / Suburban
CULTURAL SETTING The values, attitudes, and beliefs of a place
Two Types of Cultural Setting • Physical Dialogue Clothing Iconography Decoration Routines Customs • Non-Physical Education Social Standing Religious Beliefs
HISTORICAL SETTING This is setting that incorporates past events, disasters, and people. It is a specific time.