英语文学概论Setting

1、SETTING,Outline,Definition Functions of Setting Types of Setting Reading for Setting,Definition,The historical moment in time and geographic location in a story. The background against which the action of story occurs,The Elements of Setting,Specific time period (static or dynamic) Geographic locati

2、on (realistic or created) General environment of the characters,Functions of Setting,create a certain atmosphere reveal the inner thought of the character help portray the characters and develop the theme either through symbolic suggestion or more direct imagery.,create a certain atmosphere,E.g. for

3、 a horror film are usually isolated, abandoned or locations with a hidden past, this can create a sense of uncertain and fear.,reveal the inner thought of the character,E.g. Midnight in Paris,help portray the characters and develop the theme either through symbolic suggestion or more direct i,E.g. S

4、lumdog Millionaire,Types of Setting,Physical Setting Temporal Setting Cultural Setting Historical Setting,Physical Setting,Physical setting is an aspect ofsettingthat pertains towhereevents occur andwherecharacters live and interact. Geography Climate (weather/temperature) The physical objects,Geogr

5、aphy,Location, including country region state or city neighborhood street floor of level (basement, attic etc) urban or rural or suburban The environment in which the character lives may help the reader to understand the characters motives and behavior.,Climate,It helps to set the mood and the scene

6、. The weather can reflect the moods of the characters. When people are joyful its sunny, flowers are blooming, and the birds are always chirping. When the characters are angry or theres a killer in the story, its always dark and raining with thunder and lightning.,Temporal Setting,We need to conside

7、r four kinds of time that may carry particular associations with them: Clock time: this can be used to provide suspense or create certain moods or feelings. Calendar time: the day, month, year, or more generally a day of the week or time of the month may provide an understanding of what takes place

8、in a piece of literature. Seasonal time: the seasons or a span of time associated with a particular activity may be important. Historical time: a period of time that is readily identifiable by particular events and or persons that happened or existed during that time.,Cultural Setting,the values, id

9、eals, and attitudes of a place It is an aspect ofsettingthat pertains to thehuman environment among whichevents occur and among whichcharacterslive or interact. Cultural settings might be described as (1) sustained conditions (2) collective expectations (3) prevailing norms among a group of people o

10、r a social network as classified by various distinctions such as education, social standing, economic class, religious belief E.g. The Bible is set in ancientNear-Easternculture and classical Greco-Roman culture. These may be revealed by physical properties in the scene or through the characters dia

11、logue, thoughts, statements, and behaviors.,Historical Setting,Historical setting is an aspect ofsettingthat pertains to whenevents occur and whencharacters live or interact. Time period/year Reign of a leader or President Role of government Major historical events These historical factors can estab

12、lish a psychological or sociological understanding of behaviors and attitudes. More historical factors: transportation, epidemics, wars, economy, natural disasters,A Case Study: The Great Gatsby,The setting in The Great Gatsby is very important because in Fitzgeralds world setting reveals character.

13、 Physical setting: Fitzgerald divides the world of the novel into four major settings: 1. East Egg; 2. West Egg; 3. the valley of ashes; and 4. New York City. Temporal setting: In the year of 1922 Cultural setting: The new woman, Gambling, Prohibition(禁酒时期） Historical setting: World War I, the Jazz

14、Age, the Golden Twenties or the Roaring . In this decade, America became the wealthiest country in the world with no obvious rival.,Reading for setting,Sometimes the setting is clearly described by the narrator. However, some works will require you to search for clues. Learn about the author and the time and place of writing. Note suggestive details. Note unique uses of lan