6 Questions
What is the primary function of setting in narrative-focused genres like fiction and drama?
To provide the backdrop of a scene or narrative
In what way does setting differ from location in a literary context?
Setting includes physical space, time, and historical context, while location only refers to physical space.
Why is setting considered an important element in creative nonfiction with a strong narrative arc?
It influences the actions and dialogues of the characters.
How does setting affect the reader's interpretation of violent acts in a creative nonfiction piece?
Setting provides historical context which influences how readers perceive violent acts.
What does the term 'milieu' refer to in relation to setting?
Historical context combined with time and space in a piece
Why is clearly establishing the setting more crucial in creative nonfiction than in fiction?
To situate the reader and guide them through the piece
Study Notes
Setting in Literary Genres
- Setting is a crucial element in narrative-focused genres like fiction and drama, where characters perform actions in scenes.
- In poetry, setting is not a primary element, as it focuses on the persona's inner life.
Setting vs. Location
- Setting is often mistaken for location, but it encompasses more than just physical space.
- Setting includes time, both in scenes and the entire narrative, in addition to physical space.
Milieu and Context
- The combination of time and space in a setting creates the milieu, which provides historical context for the narrative.
- Milieu can correspond to the author's own context, influencing the story's events and character actions.
- The milieu of a piece, such as a World War II setting, helps readers understand character actions and dialogue in a specific historical context.
Importance of Setting in Creative Nonfiction
- Clearly establishing the setting is crucial in creative nonfiction to situate the reader and guide them through the narrative.
- Setting significantly impacts how readers interpret events and actions in a story, and its importance is greater in creative nonfiction than in fiction.
Test your knowledge on the literary element of setting in narrative-focused genres like fiction, drama, and creative nonfiction. Learn about how setting enhances the storytelling and understand its importance in different types of writing.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
