SF3 - Lesson: Function of Setting

A group of people gather at beach in the 1880s. They all wear full outfits.Function of Setting

When a setting changes, it may suggest other movements, changes, or shifts in the narrative. Settings may be contrasted to establish a conflict of values or ideas associated with those settings. The way characters interact with their surroundings provides insights into those characters and the setting(s) they inhabit. The way characters behave in or describe their surroundings reveals an attitude about those surroundings and contributes to the development of those characters and readers’ interpretations of them.

Image note: To the right is the painting On the Shores of Bognor Regis by Alexander M. Rossi, painted in 1887. This painting is a family portrait (William Halford and Family). What do you notice about the setting and the fashion presented in this painting? Would a scene like this make sense in a modern context?

Comparing Settings

To see the power of how settings affect characters, let’s review the two settings of Chekov’s “Lady with the Pet Dog,” Yalta and the Town simply known as “S.” 

Comparing Two Settings
Yalta Town of S

Scenic Beauty: Yalta is described as a picturesque and beautiful resort town. Chekhov vividly portrays the natural beauty of Yalta, with its seaside landscapes, lush vegetation, and pleasant climate. The scenic backdrop contributes to the overall atmosphere of the story.

Nameless Town: The unnamed town lacks distinction, rendering it even less noteworthy. In sharp contrast to Yalta, there is a minimal portrayal of the town, and the visits occur during winter evenings.

Leisure and Luxury: Yalta is depicted as a place associated with leisure and luxury. It is a destination where people go to escape from their regular lives, enjoy the pleasures of the seaside, and indulge in a more relaxed lifestyle. The setting reflects the characters' desire for a break from routine and their pursuit of enjoyment.

Hierarchy and Provincialism: The mention of local dandies in the first row of the stalls implies a social hierarchy within the community. This placement suggests that these individuals hold a certain status or importance in the local context. Their posture, with hands clasped behind them, hints at an air of expectancy or perhaps even arrogance. The author conveys a sense of the theatre being a provincial establishment. The mist collecting over the chandeliers suggests a certain quaintness and perhaps a lack of sophistication. The noisy fidgeting in the gallery adds to the provincial ambiance, highlighting that this is not a grand or metropolitan setting.

Symbol of Escape: Yalta serves as a symbolic location representing escape and temporary freedom from societal norms. The characters, Anna and Gurov, find solace in Yalta, away from the constraints of their everyday lives. The town becomes a backdrop for their clandestine affair, highlighting the theme of escapism in the story.

Symbol of Entrapment: The long grey fence with inverted nails in front of Anna Sergeyevna's house serves as a potent symbol of entrapment in Gurov's perception. As he contemplates the fence, Gurov associates it with a desire to escape, recognizing its oppressive nature. The fence becomes a tangible representation of the barriers and constraints that hinder Gurov's pursuit of a relationship with Anna, intensifying his frustration and sense of entanglement.

Once again, writing with sophistication can come from exploring multiple interpretations and complexities with the settings and how they relate to the characters. Finally, there are archetypical associations with these settings that contribute to the overall sophistication and complexity of Chekov’s story. 

Practice Activity

Try to create three associations for the Albany Road Trip setting in Joyce Carol Oates’ “Lady with the Dog.” Notice that she has modernized a 19th-century European location into a 20th-century American one.

Read each analysis phrase. Before turning the card over, write a brief analysis of the setting. The back of the card contains a sample analysis that you can compare to your own.

Reflection

Overall, the analysis underscores the nuanced role of settings in storytelling, showcasing their ability to convey themes, symbolize emotions, and contribute to the sophistication and complexity of narratives.

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