May 1, 2024
Updated May 10, 2025
18 minute read
At its most fundamental level, "Setting" in a narrative refers to the time and place in which the story unfolds. It's the canvas upon which characters move and plots develop. But setting is much more than a simple backdrop; it's an integral literary element that can shape a story's mood, influence character behavior, and even drive the plot itself. Think of the bustling, historic streets of Florence in Dan Brown's "Inferno," a setting that not only provides a rich atmosphere but also directly contributes to the protagonist's quest. Similarly, the oppressive, futuristic society of Gilead in Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale" is not just a location but a crucial force that defines the characters' lives and struggles. Whether a story is set in a meticulously researched historical period or an elaborately imagined fantastical realm, the setting provides context and anchors the narrative, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the world the author has created.
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Find a path to becoming a Setting. Learn more at:
OpenCourser.com/topic/iqzo74/settin
Reading list
We've selected ten books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Setting.
A practical guide for writers on how to create vivid and immersive settings that enhance the narrative and engage the reader.
This seminal work in urban planning and geography explores how people perceive and experience the physical environment, and how this affects their behavior and sense of place.
A comprehensive guide to worldbuilding for writers and game designers, covering topics such as creating realistic ecosystems, cultures, and political systems.
An influential study of the human relationship to place, exploring how our physical and cultural environments shape our identities and experiences.
A step-by-step guide for writers on how to craft believable and engaging settings that serve the story and resonate with readers.
A sweeping exploration of the natural world, from its origins to its current state, providing a deep understanding of the environmental and cultural contexts that shape our lives.
A philosophical meditation on the role of space in human experience, focusing on the intimate and often subconscious ways in which we interact with our surroundings.
A collection of essays that challenge traditional notions of setting, exploring its complexities and nuances in contemporary literature.
A historical and cultural survey of the Middle Ages and early modern period, providing insights into the social, political, and religious contexts that shaped the settings of many literary works.
An anthology of primary source readings that provide insights into the social, cultural, and technological changes that occurred during the 19th century, shaping the settings of literary works from this period.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/iqzo74/settin
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