There are many aspects that go into the creation of a good story. The most important of all those aspects is the setting of the story. A setting is defined as the context and environment in which a situation is set; the background. It is the time, place, and circumstances in which a narrative, drama, or film takes place.
The setting gives the reader a better sense of the story. It allows them to visualize what is going on and connect with the characters better. The setting also helps with the mood of the story. It helps tie the story together, the theme must coincide with the setting, if not the story would not make sense to the audience. The setting pulls the reader right into the story. It is especially important to give a good description of the setting if it is an important part of the main character’s story.
The importance of setting has been especially significant in the stories we have read and discussed in class throughout the semester. For example, in Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckelberry Finn, the setting of the story, specifically the time and place in which the book is set has a huge impact on the development and authenticity of the story. One of the major themes of the story was slavery and racism and because the story takes place before the Civil War; roughly 1835-1845 in the southern state of Missouri, it makes the story more believable. Had the story been set in New York City in modern times for example it would not have had the same impact and quite frankly would not have made much sense at all.
Another example of the importance of setting is in the short story “The Cask of Amontillado.” If the story would have taken place in modern times with all of the technological advances of today’s society, Montresor more than likely would not have gotten away with the murder of Fortunato. Therefore he would not have been able to reflect on it. Also, the fact that Montresor left Fortunato chained up to die in the secluded catacombs brings that sense of believability to the story. Had Montresor killed Forunato out in a busy sidewalk in their European city and had still gotten away with the killing, then the story would not have the same impact on the audience.
After analyzing Edgar Allan Poe’s“Cask of Amontillado,” I realized that it is directly related to my major, Criminal Justice. Homicide is obviously a major part of the criminal justice system. In the criminal justice field, there are many crimes committed that are never solved. Detectives do as much as possible to solve a crime but eventually they are forced to move on and solve another crime. Sometimes their best hope is that the murderer will reflect on what they have done, like Montresor did, and turn their selves in.
In Kate Chopin’s“Story of an Hour,” the setting is also very important in the development of the story. The story took place in the early 1900’s when people generally did not divorce their spouses no matter what. Had the story taken place in today’s society, the story would not really make as much sense as the main character could easily get a divorce with no stigma. Also, the setting took place in the main characters home where she could be alone and contemplate her feelings. This really brings a lot to the story and provides the imagery and describes the way she feels towards her husband’s untimely death.
William Faulkner’s“A Rose for Emily” is another great example of the importance of setting. The story takes place in a southern state during a time of segregation, racism, and civil feuds. This sets up the romantic relationship between Emily and her Yankee road worker Homer. Also Emily’s odd relationship with her father helps the audience to understand Emily’s strange actions at the end of the book. If the reader was not aware of Emily’s twisted path, Emily murdering Homer and sleeping with his dead body for over forty years would not have the same effect on the reader.
The final example I have is from the class’ short stories, specifically story #83 entitled; Man V. Self. The importance of the setting is unique in this story because it emphasizes on the circumstances and environment rather than just the time and date in which the story takes place. After injury his back and becoming paralyzed the man struggles with his inner demons. This happens mainly because of the environment in which he grew up with his family being unsupportive of him, and through the circumstances of his injury. The setting really sets up the story in a way that you begin to care about the main character and what happens to him.
In conclusion, while great literature consists of many pieces that make up the story’s puzzle, the setting is in my opinion the key piece. The time, place, circumstance, and environment are keys to successful storytelling. Without the setting, stories would just be words. The images come from the era the story takes place, the place the characters are, the environment is which the characters live, and the circumstances in which the characters face.
