Understanding Setting in Literature

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Questions and Answers

The setting of a story is only defined by the location the author chooses.

False (B)

Temporal setting is a type of setting that focuses on the place of a story.

False (B)

Imagery uses general information to introduce the characters, time, and place to the reader.

False (B)

A backdrop setting is characterized by a specific and detailed time and location.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Character traits can be categorized as physical, emotional, sensational, or moral qualities.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Characters in literature whose traits do not change over time are referred to as dynamic characters.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Fiction writing is an art form that always relies exclusively on reality and never on imagination.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Writing style refers to the plot and conflict within a narrative or story.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Imagery is descriptive language used to appeal to the reader's five senses and detract from the reader's enjoyment of a story.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Literary analysis involves critical thinking to achieve a greater understanding of the purpose of a literary passage, and stops at paraphrasing or directly quoting the passage.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Setting comprehension in literary analysis involves gathering information about the setting that is clearly stated within the literature.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Freytag's Pyramid, the falling action is typically the lengthiest part of the story.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The exposition in Freytag's Pyramid is the concluding part of the story where the primary conflicts are resolved.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Fairy tales are very short stories, typically with animals as main characters, that teach a moral lesson about right and wrong.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A parable is a type of allegory that uses animal characters to deliver a moral lesson, and tends to be indirect with its message.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is setting in a story?

The time, place, and duration of a story.

What is the 'place' aspect of setting?

It can be a real location or a fictional one.

What is the 'time' aspect of setting?

It can be the past, present, or future.

How does an author describe the setting?

The author uses descriptive language to paint a picture for the reader.

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What is exposition?

It's the introduction of important information like characters and the setting.

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What is a backdrop setting?

A setting that's vague and simple, focusing on a general idea.

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What is a temporal setting?

A setting that focuses specifically on a time period.

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What is an environmental setting?

A setting that focuses specifically on a place or location.

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Diction

The choice of words a writer uses to create a specific effect, and can influence the reader's understanding of the story.

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Imagery

A type of figurative language that uses descriptive words to appeal to the reader's senses.

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Simile

A comparison between two things using the words 'like' or 'as'.

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Symbolism

A device that uses concrete objects to represent abstract ideas, adding deeper meaning to the text.

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Plot

It's the sequence of events in a story, including the build-up of tension, the peak point, and the resolution.

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Exposition

This is where the story begins, introduces the characters and setting, and sets the stage for what's to come.

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Climax

This is the point of highest tension in a story, where the conflict reaches its peak.

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Study Notes

Setting in Literature

  • Setting encompasses time, place, and duration of a story.
  • Place can be real or fictional.
  • Time can be past, present, or future.
  • Authors use details like landscape, climate, and culture to paint a backdrop.
  • Imagery and exposition are techniques used to establish setting.
  • Imagery: Visually descriptive language.
  • Exposition: Introduces characters, time, place, and general information.

Types of Setting

  • Backdrop Setting: Vague, simple time and location.
  • Temporal Setting: Focuses on the time period.
  • Environmental Setting: Focuses on the geographical location.
  • Individual Setting: Specific locations and times.

Story Elements

  • Characters: People in a story.
  • Plot: Essence of the story.
  • Conflict: The problem.
  • Resolution: How the problem is solved.
  • Setting: Time and place of the story.

Character Traits

  • Character traits are qualities that make up a person's character.
  • Traits can be physical, emotional, mental, or moral.
  • Authors indirectly show traits through actions, words, thoughts, and interactions.
  • Dynamic characters: Traits change over time.
  • Static characters: Traits do not change.

Writing Style

  • Writing style is the way a writer uses language.
  • Reveals writer's verbal identity and information about story elements.
  • Diction: Word choice—formal or informal—influencing reader perspective.
  • Figurative language: Imagery, similes, symbolism.
  • Imagery helps readers enjoy the story through sensory descriptions.
  • Similes: Comparisons using "like" or "as."
  • Symbolism: Using a concrete object to represent an abstract idea.

Literary Analysis

  • Literary analysis applies critical thinking to a text.
  • Examines and interprets the text, rather than summarizing.
  • Three components: Comprehension, interpretation, analysis.
  • Seven analysis steps: Setting, characters, plot, language use, themes, morals.
  • Setting comprehension: Identifies the setting.
  • Setting analysis: Uncovers implied information.
  • Setting describes where the story happens.

Plot Structure

  • Plot encompasses the events, tension, and conflict in a story.
  • Freytag's Pyramid: Common plot structure.
  • Exposition: Introduces characters and setting.
  • Rising Action: Events between conflict start and climax.
  • Climax: Peak tension.
  • Falling Action: Events after the climax.
  • Resolution/Denouement: How conflicts are resolved.
  • Common plot themes: Quests, coming-of-age, comedies, tragedies.

Modern Fiction's Sources

  • Modern fiction draws from myths, traditional stories (fairy tales, fables), and religious works (especially the Bible).
  • Myths: Ancient stories of gods and heroes.
  • Traditional stories: Fairy tales and fables.
  • Bible: Western religious text.

Allegory

  • Allegory uses plot, characters, or setting to convey a larger message.
  • Historical allegories: Use actual historical figures or events.
  • Conceptual allegories: Use symbolism to comment on abstract ideas.
  • Fable: Uses animals as characters.
  • Parable: Uses human characters.

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