Question 1: How Is The Setting Established?

Question 1initial Postdiscuss How Setting Is Established In One Of Th

Discuss how setting is established in one of the works read for this week. How does the setting advance the tone/mood of the work? Cite specific scene(s), and if setting is also symbolic.

Consider how symbols convey the central meaning of one of the works you read this week. How might the symbols presented be considered both conventional and/or literary? How do the symbols convey the theme and/or meaning of the work?

Parameters: You must make a substantive and thoughtful initial post of 250 words or more to one of the questions, incorporating MLA citation and a Works Cited. Readings include Meyer, Michael, and D. Quentin Miller. The Compact Bedford Introduction to Literature: Reading, Thinking, and Writing, 12th ed., Macmillan Learning, 2020; “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson; “A&P” by John Updike; “The Enormous Radio” by John Cheever; “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe.

Paper For Above instruction

Setting and symbolism are crucial literary devices that enhance a reader’s understanding of a narrative's underlying themes and emotional tone. In Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery,” the setting, a small, seemingly idyllic village, establishes the tone of normalcy that sharply contrasts with the horrifying event that unfolds. The depiction of the town square, with its rustic charm and community vibe, initially fosters a sense of comfort and tradition, which underscores the shocking brutality of the lottery itself. Jackson meticulously describes the clear, sunny day, the gathering crowd, and the familiar surroundings, all of which contribute to a mood of normality that intensifies the story's chilling message about the violence lurking beneath societal customs. This setting is also symbolic of societal conformity—the village as a microcosm of collective obedience that enables the continuation of brutal rituals (Jackson, 1948).

Similarly, in John Updike’s “A&P,” the supermarket serves as a contemporary setting that underscores themes of rebellion and societal expectation. The grocery store, with its sudden intrusion of modern consumer culture, sets a mood of superficial cheerfulness but also underpins the protagonist Sammy’s sense of youthful defiance. The setting's detailed description of the store’s aisles, the uniforms, and the various characters highlights the constraints of suburban life and consumerism while also symbolizing a space of personal rebellion against societal norms (Updike, 1961).

Symbols within these works further enrich their themes. In “The Lottery,” the black box symbolizes tradition and the continuity of violence that society blindly follows, making it a conventional symbol of death and societal ritual (Jackson, 1948). Conversely, the “A&P” cashier’s hair becomes a literary symbol of individual rebellion—Sammy’s act of quitting his job to stand up for the girls signifies a desire to break free from societal expectations, embodying the theme of individual agency within a conformist society (Updike, 1961). These symbols—traditional and literary—highlight the central themes: the danger of unquestioned tradition and the struggle for individuality.

In conclusion, both setting and symbols work synergistically to deepen the narrative’s tone and meaning. The detailed description of environments establishes mood, while symbols serve as focal points that communicate complex themes about society, conformity, and rebellion. These literary devices engage readers by revealing unseen undercurrents of the stories, making them more impactful and thought-provoking.

References

• Jackson, Shirley. "The Lottery." The New Yorker, 1948.
• Updike, John. "A&P." Harper’s Magazine, 1961.
• Meyer, Michael, and D. Quentin Miller. The Compact Bedford Introduction to Literature: Reading, Thinking, and Writing. 12th ed., Macmillan Learning, 2020.
• Cheever, John. "The Enormous Radio." The New Yorker, 1947.
• Poe, Edgar Allan. "The Cask of Amontillado." The Mansion and Other Stories. 1846.