Looking at the opening descriptions of the setting of Maple Street, what does the author want the reader to understand about the situation and the characters? Cite examples to support your answer The monsters are due on maple street
The author wants the reader to understand that Maple Street is a peaceful, suburban neighborhood where the characters live a comfortable and ordinary life. The author sets the scene by describing the street as "a late summer afternoon with a pleasant warmth," and the families in the neighborhood are seen "tending their lawns, playing catch, or just resting quietly on their porch steps."
The author also portrays the characters as neighbors who are friendly and sociable with each other. The neighbors chat with each other and wave as they pass by, creating a sense of community and camaraderie among them. For example, the men on Maple Street are seen chatting casually with each other, discussing trivial matters like the weather or the recent power outage.
Overall, the author sets the stage for the story by presenting Maple Street as a typical American suburb where everyone knows each other and feels safe and secure in their surroundings. This idyllic setting is meant to highlight the sudden and dramatic change that occurs later in the story when fear and paranoia take over the neighborhood.