Setting

Definition

Setting refers to the time and place in which a story takes place, influencing the mood, themes, and character interactions. In the context of Hardy's work, setting is crucial as it reflects the natural world and societal conditions that impact the characters’ lives, emphasizing themes of naturalism and fatalism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Hardy's novels, settings often feature rural landscapes that serve as both beautiful backdrops and harsh realities for the characters.
2. The depiction of setting in Hardy’s works frequently highlights the struggles against natural forces, reflecting the naturalist view of humanity’s place in the world.
3. Hardy uses specific historical contexts within his settings, such as Victorian England, to comment on social issues and moral dilemmas faced by his characters.
4. Weather and seasons are prominent elements in Hardy's settings, symbolizing characters' emotional states and their fates.
5. The settings in Hardy's works often feel alive, suggesting that nature itself can act as a character that influences human actions and outcomes.

Review Questions

• How does Hardy use setting to enhance the themes of naturalism in his works?
  • Hardy employs setting to create an environment that mirrors the characters’ struggles against their circumstances. By depicting rural landscapes that are both beautiful and brutal, he emphasizes how nature plays a role in determining the fates of his characters. This aligns with the principles of naturalism, where the environment significantly shapes human behavior and experiences.
• In what ways does the setting contribute to the sense of fatalism present in Hardy's stories?
  • The settings in Hardy's stories often evoke a sense of inevitability and predestination, reinforcing the idea that characters are powerless against external forces. The oppressive nature of rural life, coupled with harsh weather conditions, reflects the notion that individuals are caught in a web of fate. This portrayal suggests that despite their efforts, characters are subject to the whims of their environment and society.
• Evaluate how Hardy’s detailed descriptions of setting affect character development throughout his narratives.
  • Hardy's detailed descriptions of setting play a crucial role in shaping character development by establishing their relationships with their environment. The landscapes serve not only as backdrops but also as reflections of internal conflicts and emotional states. Characters are often depicted as products of their surroundings, where their choices are influenced by societal norms and natural forces. This complex interplay between character and setting highlights Hardy's exploration of individual agency versus determinism in a world governed by fate.

Related terms

Naturalism:

A literary movement that suggests human behavior is determined by environment, heredity, and social conditions.

Fatalism: The belief that all events are predetermined and inevitable, often leading to a sense of helplessness in the face of circumstances.

Atmosphere: The emotional tone or mood created by a literary work, often shaped by the setting and its details.