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Question

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.

Copy/paste/[fill-in]: Setting and mood are important in the selection titled “[...]”. This story takes place in [...] during [...] weather conditions in times of [...] ([page number]). This setting creates a mood of [...]. For example, this is shown in the selection when it states “[...]” ([page number]). In addition, there’s the detail that [...]. To explain, [...]. Therefore, this setting helps to convey the theme of [...].

Answer 1

Setting and mood are important in the selection titled "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson. This story takes place in a small town during a warm, sunny day in times of desperation and conformity (77). This setting creates a mood of unease and suspense. For example, this is shown in the selection when it states "The morning of June 27th was clear and sunny, with the fresh warmth of a full-summer day" (77). In addition, there’s the detail that the townspeople gather in the town square for the annual lottery, adding to the sense of ritual and tradition. To explain, the setting of a seemingly normal town with a dark and sinister underbelly helps to convey the theme of blindly following tradition without questioning its morality.