Respond in a well-organized essay, and make sure your answer is written in complete sentences.
B. Setting and mood are important elements in many of the stories in this unit. Choose the story "the swimming contest" 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.
In the story "The Swimming Contest," the author effectively uses setting to create a mood that helps convey the theme of the story. The setting is at a lake, where a swimming contest takes place between two characters, Tom and Bill. The author describes the lake as a secluded and peaceful place, with clear blue water surrounded by lush green vegetation. This setting helps to create a mood of tranquility and serenity.
The details of the weather also contribute to the mood. The author mentions that it is a sunny day with a gentle breeze blowing. These weather conditions further enhance the sense of calmness and relaxation. The time of the story is summer, which adds to the idyllic atmosphere. Everyone is enjoying their summer break, and this setting emphasizes the leisurely nature of the contest.
This peaceful setting plays a significant role in conveying the theme of the story. The theme revolves around the idea of the value of friendship and sportsmanship. Tom and Bill are close friends who engage in a friendly competition. The peaceful and serene environment of the lake underscores the importance of the friendship between the two characters.
The author also uses the setting to highlight the contrast between the external surroundings and the internal emotions of the characters. While the setting is calm and serene, Tom is filled with anxiety and nervousness before the contest. This contrast serves to highlight the intensity of the competition and the significance it holds for both characters.
Additionally, the lake setting helps to symbolize the challenges and obstacles that the characters face in the swimming contest. The lake represents the unknown, as Tom and Bill are uncertain about the depth of the water and the strength of the currents they might encounter. Just like in the contest, in life, we often have to face unknown challenges. The lake setting serves as a metaphor for these challenges and emphasizes the importance of determination and perseverance.
In conclusion, the setting of "The Swimming Contest" plays a crucial role in creating a mood of tranquility and highlighting the theme of friendship and sportsmanship. The author effectively uses the details of weather, place, and time to convey the serene and idyllic atmosphere of the lake. This setting helps to emphasize the value of friendship, accentuate the contrast between external surroundings and internal emotions, and symbolize the challenges that the characters face in the contest.