SETTING
Explore the setting of the novels you are studying by explaining how key setting details reflect or enhance a theme, add to the meaning, or serve as a key to some aspect of the narrative or characters.
Please be prepared to present your ideas to the class tomorrow.
How does the unique setting depicted in your novel allow the author to achieve their purpose?
The novel is set in present day England, more specifically in a small town called Swindon and briefly in London. With this, the normalities of such a setting help in allowing the audience to relate to such an environment and experience themselves as the protagonist. There is clearly a strong English culture which influences the actions and language of the characters, such as local foods and English expressions often being mentioned. Aside this, the protagonist (Christopher) does not seem to belong to his traditions and possibly may not identify as being British, unaware of these customs and having difficulty trying to understand them. The author may use this aspect of the setting in Christopher’s point of view to highlight unfamiliar situations he has to face and how differently he views his world, possibly allowing the reader to sympathise on those who are given labels like him. Although many situations occurring in the novel seem ordinary and include everyday activities, those ‘disabled’ like Christopher are unknowingly present and approach uniquely to problems, with him drawing pictorials/diagrams when changes are noticed in his environment. Being overwhelmed by stepping out of his comfort zone, no matter how familiar we see this setting, the author enhances how the character changes and gradually gains confidence. This displays the purpose of the novel, not underestimating of those labeled and questioning discrimination.