Setting

Setting does not mean just the time and place in which a story takes occurs.  The setting acts upon the character throughout the book, influencing the character in many ways.  

But in order to get to know the setting, we must first identify the time and place.  Then we activate any prior knowledge we have about this time.  It is certainly possible that we won’t know as much about certain time periods as others.

We have to look beyond just time and place, though.  What we really need to pay attention to are clues about what kind of place this is – what the mood or atmosphere is like.  These ideas could be revealed through the author’s word choice or the details of the setting, the kind of people, objects, and images that surround the character.  

In the Quilt Walk, I’m noticing that this time period was much different than the world that we are used to.  Women don’t seem to have as many options as men do.  I’m thinking Ma is very attached to Quincy, but if her husband wants to leave, she will be forced to go with him.  It doesn’t seem like she will have a say at all because that’s how women were treated at the time.  Sometimes when you read historical fiction, the time period will be even more important than what the setting looks like.

As you read, think about noticing details in the setting.  These details are important to notice; they will deepen your understanding about the situation that the character is in.

You can read for the remainder of the time.