Setting

Setting: Time & place in which story takes place;

it should have a dramatic use if it is emphasized:

Era; Season; Time of day; Weather; Nature vs. City

1. Can create mood (stormy, sunny, barren):

Désirée (foreboding, 115-116); Jury (lonely, 171)

2. Can reflect the inner emotions of the characters:

Jury (lonely, 171)

3. Should affect character or plot: Salvation (heat); Desiree’s Baby (era); Lesson (ghetto v FAO Schwartz); Jury (isolation causes temp. insanity)

4. Can be symbolic: Salvation (heat=hell)

Jury (state of house symbolizes relationship between Mr. and Mrs. W; state of her things symbolizes his neglect—clothing; rocker; stove); Story (View, 119)

Symbolism

Symbolism: Anything in a story’s setting, plot, or characterization that suggests an abstract meaning in addition to its literal significance.

· Jury (Items in the house; bird; cage)