Elements of a Story

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What is Setting?

Time, Place, Time Period, environment, or context (Political, Social, etc.) of a scene of a movie, book, story etc.

Always in a story - Usually established at the beginning of the story.

Usually not told outright - Usually done by descriptive writing, and details

Environment/ Context:

+ Social Climate

Political influences

Religious Influences

Societal Influences

Significance:

Can little to mass effect in a story's plot, theme & characters

Can take on the role of a character Ex. Battle through surviving lost in the forest

Can have an effect in fate of a character Ex. Slip off the cliff or trip while fleeing

Can influence or highlight prevailing atmosphere or mood of the literature, the internal/ external conflicts, and the potential contrasts between characters or ideas

Why is setting important?:

Physical details of the setting is linked with values, society, ideals, and attitudes of a place in a different time.

Adds important dimension of meaning reflecting character and embodying theme.

Details can provide clues to the story or act as symbols.

Setting