Setting in creative writing is an essential element of writing that creates the backdrop for a story. It refers to the physical location, time, and environment in which the story takes place. The setting of a story can be an important aspect that shapes the characters and events of the story. In this blog, we will discuss what setting is and how it can be used effectively in creative writing.
Setting of the Story:
The setting of a story can be defined as the time, place, and environment in which the events of the story take place. It can be a specific geographic location, such as a city, country, or even a fictional world. The setting can also include the time period, such as the past, present, or future. Moreover, the setting can include the physical environment, including the climate, terrain, and natural features. let’s explore the concept of setting in creative writing with an example. Consider the following excerpt from “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee:
“Maycomb was an old town, but it was a tired old town when I first knew it. In rainy weather the streets turned to red slop; grass grew on the sidewalks, the courthouse sagged in the square. Somehow, it was hotter then: a black dog suffered on a summer’s day; bony mules hitched to Hoover carts flicked flies in the sweltering shade of the live oaks on the square. Men’s stiff collars wilted by nine in the morning. Ladies bathed before noon, after their three-o’clock naps, and by nightfall were like soft teacakes with frostings of sweat and sweet talcum.”
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In this excerpt, we can see that the setting of the story is Maycomb, a small town in Alabama. The author provides us with vivid descriptions of the town’s physical environment, such as the rainy weather that turns the streets to red slop and the grass growing on the sidewalks.
We can also see that the setting is in the past, as the author uses phrases such as “when I first knew it” and references to Hoover carts and stiff collars. The author also includes descriptions of the natural features, such as the live oaks on the square, which helps to create a sense of place for the reader.
The setting in this example is an essential element of the story, as it creates a specific atmosphere and mood that complements the events and themes of the story. The description of Maycomb as a tired old town with sagging buildings and sweltering heat helps to establish a sense of the town’s decay and stagnation, which is a central theme of the novel. Additionally, the setting is used to highlight the characters’ emotions and relationships with each other and their environment.
Setting as a Character:
In some stories, the setting can also function as a character. In these cases, the setting takes on a life of its own and influences the events and characters of the story. For example, a story set in a small town with oppressive heat and drought can create a tense and claustrophobic atmosphere that affects the characters’ behavior and choices.
let’s explore the concept of setting as a character in creative writing with an example. Consider the following excerpt from “The Shining” by Stephen King:
“The Overlook Hotel was his own invention, the site being inspired by a dream he had during a family vacation at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. The hotel’s fictional location of Sidewinder, Colorado, is situated on the actual location of Estes Park, where King had stayed with his wife Tabitha in the Stanley Hotel, during the summer of 1974.”
In this example, we can see how the setting of the story – the Overlook Hotel – can function as a character. Throughout the novel, the hotel takes on a life of its own, influencing the events and characters of the story. The hotel’s eerie, isolated location in the Rocky Mountains, along with its history of violence and tragic events, creates a foreboding atmosphere that affects the characters’ behavior and choices. Moreover, the hotel’s supernatural abilities, such as the ability to manipulate time and space, adds to its character-like presence in the story.
The Overlook Hotel’s role as a character is central to the story, as it acts as both a physical and psychological antagonist to the protagonist, Jack Torrance. The hotel’s malevolent influence pushes Jack towards madness and violence, and ultimately drives the story towards its climactic conclusion.
Thus, the concept of setting as a character in creative writing can be a powerful tool to enhance the atmosphere and mood of a story. When executed effectively, it can add depth and complexity to the story’s themes and characters.
Settings of a Book:
The settings of a book can be varied and diverse, depending on the author’s vision and the story’s requirements. A book can be set in a specific location, such as a city or a rural area, or it can be set in a fictional world with unique geography and rules. The time period can also vary, ranging from historical settings to futuristic ones. Moreover, the environment can be a significant factor in the setting, including elements such as weather, climate, and geography.
“Carrie” by Stephen King is a great example of how setting can be an essential element of story writing. The novel is set in a small town in Maine, where Carrie White, the protagonist, lives with her abusive mother. The story is set in the 1970s and is set against the backdrop of social change and unrest in America.
Read: A complete guide on how to publish short stories online for free.
The setting of the small town is used to create a sense of isolation and claustrophobia that contributes to the tension and horror of the story. The town is portrayed as a conservative and oppressive community that is intolerant of difference and outsiders. This environment contributes to the development of Carrie’s character as she struggles to find acceptance and connection amidst the town’s hostility.
Moreover, the setting serves as a foil against which the supernatural elements of the story are highlighted. As Carrie’s telekinetic powers develop, the natural elements of the setting, such as weather and geography, become increasingly distorted and threatening. This creates a sense of escalating danger and tension that contributes to the story’s horror.
Therefore, the setting of “Carrie” plays an essential role in shaping the story’s characters and themes, as well as contributing to its mood and atmosphere. The effective use of setting is an important element of story writing that can help to create a memorable and immersive reading experience.
Elements of Story Writing:
Setting is an essential element of story writing, along with plot, characters, theme, and style. It can be used to create a mood or atmosphere that complements the story’s events and themes. The setting can also serve as a backdrop against which the characters’ struggles and conflicts are highlighted. Effective use of setting can help to immerse the reader in the story and make the events and characters feel more real.
Elements of a Short Story:
In a short story, the setting is often used to create a concise and focused backdrop for the story’s events. The setting can be used to establish the mood, tone, and atmosphere of the story. Moreover, the setting can be used to highlight the characters’ emotions and thoughts, as well as their relationships with each other and their environment.
In conclusion, setting is an essential element of creative writing that creates the backdrop for a story. It can be used effectively to create a mood or atmosphere, highlight the characters’ struggles, and make the events and characters feel more real. As such, it is an important element to consider when crafting a story, and its effective use can greatly enhance the reader’s experience.
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