Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Contrasting settings involve two or more locations within a literary work that possess distinct differences in terms of atmosphere, culture, geography, or social norms. These contrasting elements highlight disparities and create tension or conflict.
Related terms
Parallel Settings: Parallel settings are locations that share similarities or mirror each other in some way, often used to draw comparisons or highlight contrasts.
Urban vs. Rural Settings: Urban settings represent cities or densely populated areas, while rural settings depict countryside or sparsely populated regions. These settings often contrast in terms of lifestyle, values, and opportunities.
Historical Settings: Historical settings refer to specific time periods in the past and provide a backdrop for exploring societal norms, events, and cultural contexts relevant to that era.