Setting and Meaning

People exist in a particular time and place. Where we live may contribute not only to our personality, but also to our values, attitudes, and even our problems. In literature, setting (time and place) can also influence characters and what they do.

Time

We need to consider four kinds of time that may carry particular associations with them:

Clock time: this can be used to provide suspense or create certain moods or feelings.
Calendar time: the day, month, year, or more generally a day of the week or time of the month may provide an understanding of what takes place in a piece of literature.
Seasonal time: the seasons or a span of time associated with a particular activity may be important.
Historical time: this can establish a psychological or sociological understanding of behaviors and attitudes.

Place

We may find significance in the actual location where the action occurs, but we need to pay attention to the nonphysical as well as the physical environment.

The physical environment, including weather conditions, may be specifically described.

The nonphysical environment includes cultural influences such as education, social standing, economic class, and religious belief. These may be revealed by physical properties in the scene or through the characters' dialogue, thoughts, statements, and behaviors.

Uses of setting

The setting may be nothing more than the backdrop for what occurs; however, it may be directly linked to mood or meaning.

It can create an atmosphere that affects our response to the work.
It may have a direct effect on a character's motivation.
An external force may enter the setting and change it, causing conflict for the characters.
The setting itself may be an antagonist.
Two settings may come into conflict with each other, causing conflict in the characters who must live in them and perhaps have to choose between them.

Reading for setting

Sometimes the setting is clearly described by the narrator. However, some works will require you to search for clues, especially with regard to the nonphysical environment.

Learn about the author and the time and place of writing.
Note suggestive details.
Note unique uses of language and, perhaps, hidden references to the historical or cultural environment.