SETTING

The time when the story occurs and the place(s) where it occurs.

There are several aspects of a story's setting to consider when examining how setting contributes to a story (some, or all, may be present in a story):

a) place - geographical location.

b) time - When is the story taking place?

c) weather conditions - Is it rainy, sunny, stormy/ four seasons

d) social conditions - What is the daily life of the characters like? Does the story contain local colour (writing that focuses on the speech, dress, mannerisms, customs, etc. of a particular place)?

e) mood or atmosphere - What feeling is created at the beginning of the story? Is it bright and cheerful or dark and frightening?

Children stories

Vague setting

Incidental setting

Integral setting

Unrealistic setting

Futuristic setting

Vague setting

• Often found in folktales

• For example:-

– Long ago in a cottage in the deep woods

– Long ago, there lived a…

– Once upon a time

• It convey a universal and timeless tale

• It could happen anytime and anywhere except past or very recent past

• This kind of setting also known as backdrop setting

Incidental setting

• Simply providing a backdrop for the action

• For example:-

– Rosie’s Babies by Penny Dale

In this story, Rosie plays in orchard. The setting here is not dependent upon place. The setting here is insignificant as the story will not be affected if the setting is changed to apartment or garden.

Integral setting

• Often found in historical fiction, novel and non-fiction.

• Setting is something rigid and might be added authentic details

• Stories could not be the same if placed in another setting

• Historical fiction recreates a particular historical period with or without historical figure as incidental figures

Unrealistic setting

• Commonly found in high fantasy

• magic is a commonplace tool much in demand due to the power and cunning of evil characters attempting to thwart our heroes

• Speaking of good, the battle between it and evil is always a major component of these stories

Futuristic setting• Found in science fiction

• Usually shows the tension between the hopes that society in science and fear of technological development

• Description on unusual ideas and equipments used may not present in current situation

• For example:-– Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde– The incredible Hulk

Hubristic scientists are destroyed by their own creations

Setting in adolescent stories

• Setting become significantly important

• For example, Voices in the Park by Anthony Brown – the seasons represent the character’s personality and emotions

– Characters involved:-

• Mrs Smythe

• Mr Smith

• Charles

• Smudge

Autumn

• Associated with MrsSmythe

• Season of death and decay

Winter

• Associated with MrSmith who is unemployed, depressed and desperately finding job

• Gloomy and pathetic

Spring

• Connected to Charles

• Feelings are very tender and associated with HOPE

Summer

• Smudge associated with summer (bright and glory colours)

• She is joyful and active

“Place children’ story characters in UNSUAL setting and situations”

By Linda Jo Martin

Why?

• Can entice readers to learn more the unusual aspects of life

• Characters should be put in unusual and difficult situation

• To stretch imaginations and to head a new direction

• Weird and wacky ideas are good in writing stories for children

Examples of unusual settings

• In a submarine

• On a rollercoaster

• At the pyramids

• On top of mountain

• Inside the book or magazine

• In an ice-cream truck

• In a hot air balloon

• Under the rock with a frog