Meaning, Types and Functions of Setting in Literature for SS 1

Meaning, Types and Functions of Setting in Literature for SS 1

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. define setting in literary texts;
2. identify the components of setting (time, place, social environment);
3. discuss the setting of given literary texts;
4. analyze how setting influences characters and plot;
5. discuss how setting creates mood and atmosphere.

Understanding Setting in Literature

Setting is a fundamental element in any literary work, whether it is a novel, a play, a poem, or a short story. It provides the background against which the events of the story unfold.

Setting refers to the time and place in which the events of a story occur. It includes not only the physical location but also the historical period, the social conditions, and the general atmosphere of the story.

Imagine reading a story about a young boy growing up in a village. The details about the village, the time of year, and the way people live there all contribute to the setting.

Components of Setting

Setting is made up of several key components that work together to create a complete picture for the reader. These components help to establish the context of the narrative.

1. Time: This refers to the specific period when the story takes place. It can be a particular year, a season, a historical era, or even a specific time of day. For example, a story set in “colonial Nigeria” or “during the rainy season” specifies the time component.

2. Place: This is the geographical location where the story’s events occur. It can be a country, a city, a village, a specific building, or even a room. For instance, a story set in “Lagos Island” or “a small hut by the river” defines the place component.

3. Social Environment: This component includes the cultural, economic, and social conditions that surround the characters. It involves the customs, beliefs, values, class structures, and daily life of the people in the story. For example, a story might be set in a community where “traditional festivals are highly valued” or where “poverty is widespread.”

Types of Setting

Settings can be categorised based on the dominant aspects they highlight in a literary text. Understanding these types helps in analysing how setting functions within a story.

1. Geographical Setting: This type focuses on the physical location and its natural features. It describes the landscape, climate, terrain, and specific landmarks. For example, a story might be set in the “dense rainforests of the Niger Delta” or the “arid savannahs of Northern Nigeria.” The geographical setting often influences the characters’ daily lives and the challenges they face.

2. Historical Setting: This refers to the specific historical period in which the story is set. It includes significant events, political climates, and technological advancements of that era. A story set during the “Nigerian Civil War” or “pre-colonial times” uses a historical setting. This type of setting can shape the characters’ beliefs, actions, and the overall plot.

3. Cultural Setting: This type highlights the customs, traditions, beliefs, values, and way of life of a particular group of people. It includes their language, rituals, social norms, and artistic expressions. A story set in a community where “ancestor worship is central” or “marriage rites are elaborate” demonstrates a cultural setting. This influences character interactions and the moral framework of the story.

4. Social Setting: This focuses on the societal structure, class divisions, economic conditions, and social hierarchies present in the story. It explores the relationships between different social groups and the impact of wealth or poverty. A story set in a society with “strict class distinctions between the rich and the poor” or where “education is highly valued as a means of upward mobility” illustrates a social setting. This often dictates opportunities and conflicts for characters.

How Setting Influences Character and Plot

The setting is not merely a backdrop; it actively shapes the characters and the events that occur in a story. It can determine what characters can do, how they behave, and the challenges they encounter.

1. Influence on Character:

   1. Personality and Traits: The environment in which characters grow up or live can influence their personalities. For instance, a character raised in a harsh, rural environment might be resilient and resourceful, while one from a privileged urban setting might be more sophisticated but less practical.

   2. Beliefs and Values: The cultural and social setting often instills specific beliefs, values, and moral codes in characters. A character from a deeply religious community might be very spiritual, while one from a more secular society might be more individualistic.

   3. Actions and Decisions: The limitations or opportunities presented by the setting can dictate a character’s choices. A character living in a war-torn country might be forced to make difficult decisions for survival, while a character in a peaceful, prosperous land might focus on personal ambitions.

   4. Appearance and Lifestyle: The climate and economic conditions of a setting can influence how characters dress, what they eat, and their daily routines. For example, characters in a hot, humid region might wear light clothing and prefer outdoor activities.

2. Influence on Plot:

   1. Conflict: The setting can be a source of conflict. Natural disasters (like floods or droughts), social injustices (like discrimination), or historical events (like political unrest) can create obstacles for the characters and drive the plot forward.

   2. Events and Incidents: Certain events can only happen in specific settings. A story involving a masquerade festival would naturally be set in a community where such traditions exist. A tale of survival in the wilderness requires a wild, untamed geographical setting.

   3. Pacing: The setting can affect the pace of the story. A bustling city setting might lead to a fast-paced plot with many quick events, while a quiet, isolated village setting might result in a slower, more reflective narrative.

   4. Resolution: The setting can also play a role in the resolution of the plot. A character might find refuge in a new place, or a conflict might be resolved by a change in the social or political environment.

Relationship Between Setting, Mood and Atmosphere

Setting is crucial in establishing the mood and atmosphere of a literary text. Mood refers to the feeling or emotion the reader experiences while reading the story, while atmosphere is the overall feeling or emotional tone created by the setting and events within the story.

1. Creating Mood:

   1. Descriptive Language: Authors use descriptive language to portray the setting in a way that evokes specific emotions in the reader. For example, describing a “dark, stormy night with howling winds” can create a mood of fear or suspense.

   2. Sensory Details: Details appealing to the five senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch) in the setting description can directly influence mood. The “smell of fresh rain on dry earth” or the “sound of distant drums” can evoke feelings of nostalgia, peace, or mystery.

   3. Symbolism: Elements within the setting can symbolise certain emotions. A “dilapidated, abandoned house” might symbolise decay or sadness, contributing to a melancholic mood.

2. Establishing Atmosphere:

   1. Overall Tone: The setting contributes significantly to the overall tone of the story. A story set in a vibrant, bustling market might have a lively and energetic atmosphere, while one set in a quiet, isolated forest might have a serene or mysterious atmosphere.

   2. Foreshadowing: The atmosphere created by the setting can foreshadow future events. A gloomy, oppressive setting might hint at impending danger or tragedy.

   3. Contrast: Sometimes, an author might use a contrasting setting to create a particular atmosphere. For instance, a beautiful, serene landscape might be used to highlight the inner turmoil or conflict of a character, creating an atmosphere of irony or tension.

In essence, the setting provides the canvas upon which the story is painted, influencing not just what happens and to whom, but also how the reader feels about it.