Setting (the time and place in which a literary work takes place) and mood (atmosphere) are important elements in many of these stories. Choose one story and describe some aspects of its setting: where it takes place; what mood is created by the details of weather, place, and time; and how this setting helps to convey the theme of the story. ESSAY
In the short story "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson, the setting plays a crucial role in creating a sense of unease and tension throughout the narrative. The story takes place in a small, seemingly idyllic American town on an ordinary summer day. However, as the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that this seemingly peaceful setting is far from what it appears to be.
The mood created by the details of weather, place, and time in the story is one of foreboding and darkness. The sunny weather and cheerful atmosphere at the beginning of the story sharply contrast with the grim reality of the town's annual ritual of stoning one of its own residents to death. The juxtaposition of these elements serves to heighten the sense of horror and disbelief as the reader realizes the true nature of the lottery.
The setting in "The Lottery" helps to convey the theme of blindly following tradition and the dangers of conformity. The seemingly normal small town setting lulls the reader into a false sense of security, only to be shattered by the brutality of the lottery ritual. By using a familiar and everyday setting, Jackson is able to convey the idea that atrocities can happen anywhere, even in the most seemingly benign and ordinary of places.
Overall, the setting in "The Lottery" plays a crucial role in setting the tone and mood of the story, as well as conveying its central themes of conformity and the dangers of blindly following tradition. It serves as a stark reminder that evil can lurk in the most unexpected of places, and that blindly adhering to social norms can have devastating consequences.