Respond to one of the questions below. Include at least two supporting details or examples.
B. Setting and mood are important elements in many of the stories in this unit. “My father writes to my mother” by assia djebar
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.
The story "My father writes to my mother" by Assia Djebar is set in a small village in Algeria during the Algerian War for Independence in the 1950s. The author carefully portrays the setting, using descriptive details of the weather, place, and time to create a specific mood.
Firstly, the story takes place in a remote village, surrounded by rugged mountains and barren landscapes. The author describes the village as full of "huts with stork nests on their roofs" and "windows in walls that overlook hearts and tears." These details help establish a sense of isolation and confinement within the setting. The limited physical space reflects the restrictions placed on the characters, both by societal norms and by the war.
Furthermore, the weather plays a significant role in creating the mood of the story. The author mentions the scorching heat, oppressive dust storms, and relentless sun that continuously plague the village. These weather conditions contribute to a sense of suffocation, mirroring the stifling atmosphere of the war and the oppressive patriarchy that the women in the story face.
The setting of the story helps convey its theme of confinement and the struggle for independence. The village acts as a microcosm of the larger Algerian society under the French colonization and the subsequent revolution. The isolation and limited physical space reflect the confinement faced by women in a patriarchal society. The harsh climate mirrors the struggle of the Algerian people fighting for their freedom. Overall, the setting enhances the story's theme by emphasizing the reasons behind the characters' desires for liberation and independence.