whats the importance of the setting of a story?

Answer 1

Sometimes the setting is extremely important to a story because the story could not possibly take place anywhere else or at any other time. Other times, the setting can almost act as a character itself within the story as it does in "The Worn Path" by Eudora Welty. In this story the setting is most definitely an antagonist.
At other times, a story can take place anywhere, at anytime. In this case, the setting may not be very important at all.586

Answer 2

It truly depends on the type of story that's being told. The setting of a story can set the atmosphere or tone of the story. For instance, Wuthering Heights is set in the Yorkshire Moors which are often misty, bleak, lonely and can be considered mysterious. It sets the rather gloomy and sometimes mystical tone of the book. In fact the place - Wuthering Heights - could actually be considered a "character" in the scheme of the story. The place or type of place determined on by the writer will give the story a special feel. If it's set in a city you might get the idea of the protagonist being in a bustling environment that's crowded but at the same time it can give a feeling of loneliness in a horde. Alternatively, if you set the story in an imaginary place and describe it well you can achieve the ambiance you wish. J.R.R. Tolkien did that particularly well in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings series. A modern romance may not necessarily rely as heavily on the setting than some other genres, because it can concentrate more on the interaction of individual people. Even with that, the setting gives the reader a point of reference for the imagination - is the action taking place in a city, in the country, on a ranch, in a glitzy environment, etc. A historic romance may rely more on the period in which it takes place rather than the actual setting, unless the action occurs during a particular event like the Revolutionary War in America.

Answer 3

It sets the mood of the story. Like say a murderer had found his way into a man's house. It couldn't be a clear blue sky, with a gentle comforting breeze.

Answer 4

Did u just seriously ask that? It sets up pretty much everything. Where the characters live, what type of activities they can do in that place, time period so you understand the customs of that time, and pretty much everything else! well, I hope that helps.
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~Football Funkie and Daddy's Little Girl~ (a.k.a. my BFF)

Answer 5

Speaking from the point of view of a reader, settings help me visualize what's going on better. It also makes the story more real to me.

These sites may prove useful in answering your question too (even if some of them are brief):
- http://www.amazon.com/Setting-Elements-Fiction-Writing-Bickham/dp/0898799481
- http://sylviashipp.vox.com/library/post/historical-fiction-novel-writing-setting.html
- http://ezinearticles.com/?Writing-101:-Setting-And-Characters---Who-Did-That-Where?&id=464414

Answer 6

Is there an echo in here? I answered that like five minutes ago. Pax - C