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.
One example of a story where setting plays a key role is "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson.
The story is set in a small, rural town on a sunny day in late June. The mood created by the details of the setting is initially one of normalcy and routine as the townspeople gather for the annual lottery. However, as the story progresses, the mood darkens and becomes tense as the true nature of the lottery is revealed.
The setting of the small town, with its close-knit community and sense of tradition, helps to convey the theme of blind conformity and the dangers of following tradition without questioning its morality. The seemingly idyllic setting is a stark contrast to the violent and barbaric nature of the lottery, highlighting the idea that sometimes evil can exist even in the most ordinary and familiar of places. The setting of the story serves to underscore the chilling message that blind adherence to tradition can lead to horrifying consequences.