what role does the setting play in the book uglies by scott westerfield?

1 answer

The setting in the book "Uglies" by Scott Westerfield plays a significant role in shaping the story and the characters' experiences. The novel is set in a futuristic society where everyone undergoes a mandatory cosmetic surgery at the age of sixteen to become "pretty." This setting serves as a backdrop for exploring themes of conformity, societal pressure, and the definition of beauty.

The setting of the city of Uglyville, where the protagonist, Tally Youngblood, resides at the beginning of the novel, is presented as a stark contrast to the beautiful and sterile environment of New Pretty Town. This juxtaposition highlights the differences in lifestyle and values between the two societies and adds to Tally's internal conflict about conforming to societal standards of beauty.

The setting also contributes to the tension and suspense in the novel as Tally navigates the dangers of the wilderness outside the city walls and encounters rebels who challenge the government's control. The physical environment of the city and its surroundings acts as a reflection of the characters' internal struggles and the larger themes of the novel.

Overall, the setting in "Uglies" serves as a crucial element in shaping the plot, characters, and themes of the story, illustrating the impact of a futuristic, dystopian society on individuals' identities and relationships.