Setting in Literature Explained

Jon Cowan
30 Sept 201605:26
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video script explores the importance of setting in storytelling, emphasizing that every element should contribute to the narrative. It delves into the three critical components of setting: place, time, and social conditions, and how they collectively influence the story's mood. The presenter uses examples to illustrate how different settings can evoke various emotions, such as tension in an abandoned spaceship or joy at Disneyland, highlighting the power of setting to manipulate the reader's feelings.

Takeaways
  • πŸŽ₯ The video creator is experimenting with not showing their face to see if it helps viewers focus more on the content rather than the presenter.
  • πŸ” Research suggests that showing a face in a video can distract from the main message, which is why the creator is trying this approach.
  • πŸ“š The creator values feedback and is open to hearing viewers' opinions on whether they prefer videos with or without the presenter's face.
  • πŸ“– The script discusses the importance of setting in storytelling, emphasizing that every element of a story should have significance.
  • 🌍 The setting's 'place' is highlighted as a critical element, including the physical location and its impact on the story's events.
  • ⏳ Time is another key aspect of setting, with stories being set in the past or future to evoke different responses from the audience.
  • πŸ‘₯ Social conditions are mentioned as the third pillar of setting, referring to the norms and behaviors prevalent in the story's society.
  • 🌑️ The mood of the story is created by blending the place, time, and social conditions, which dictates the audience's emotional response.
  • πŸ“‰ The mood can range from simple emotions like happiness or fear to more complex feelings, depending on the story's setting.
  • πŸš€ An example of an abandoned spaceship in the future with no communication and dead crew illustrates a tense, scary, and eerie mood.
  • 🎒 Contrastingly, Disneyland in the present with happy, excited social conditions sets a joyful and childlike wonder mood.
  • πŸ΄β€β˜ οΈ The script also mentions how settings can be used to set and then subvert expectations, as in a story starting in a peaceful place that turns chaotic.
  • πŸ“š Lastly, the creator encourages viewers to analyze the mood of a story they've read, considering the interplay of place, time, and social conditions.
Q & A
  • What is the main reason the speaker is trying to avoid showing their face in the video?

    -The speaker is trying to avoid showing their face in the video because research suggests that faces can draw attention away from the main content, and they want the audience to focus on what's on the screen.

  • What does the speaker appreciate from the audience regarding the video format?

    -The speaker appreciates the audience's feedback on whether they prefer a video without the speaker's face or with the face included, as they do not want to take offense but instead want to do what's best for learning.

  • Why is the setting considered an important element in storytelling according to the script?

    -The setting is considered important in storytelling because it should matter to the story and contribute to the overall narrative. A good story has every part, including the setting, playing a significant role.

  • What are the three critical elements of setting discussed in the script?

    -The three critical elements of setting discussed are the physical place, the time in which the story takes place, and the social conditions of the society within the story.

  • How does the physical place affect the story according to the speaker?

    -The physical place affects the story by influencing the events and the impact on the narrative. It can determine the actions and behaviors of characters and the expectations of the audience.

  • What is the significance of the time element in setting a story?

    -The time element is significant as it can shape the behaviors, actions, and expectations of the characters and the audience. Different moments in human history come with different norms and behaviors.

  • Can you explain the concept of 'social conditions' in the context of setting a story?

    -Social conditions refer to the behaviors and norms considered normal by the majority of people in the society or story. It helps to establish the reality and expectations of the setting.

  • How do the elements of place, time, and social conditions combine to create mood in a story?

    -The elements of place, time, and social conditions blend together to create the mood or the overall feeling of the story, guiding the audience's emotional response to the narrative.

  • What is an example of a mood created by a setting in the script?

    -An example given is an abandoned spaceship with no power, set 300 years in the future with a social condition where everyone is dead except two people, which creates a tense, scary, or eerie mood.

  • How can a setting be used to manipulate the audience's emotions in storytelling?

    -A setting can be used to create a specific mood that influences the audience's emotions. By establishing a certain atmosphere, storytellers can then manipulate the audience's feelings as the story unfolds.

  • Why might a storyteller use a setting to set up and then destroy expectations?

    -A storyteller might use a setting to set up expectations to create a contrast or surprise. This can be done to elicit a different emotional response from the audience, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.

Outlines
00:00
πŸŽ₯ The Impact of Video Presentation on Learning

The speaker introduces a new approach to video-making by deliberately omitting their face from the video. This experiment is based on research suggesting that a presenter's face can distract viewers from the main content. The speaker seeks feedback on this method to enhance learning effectiveness. They emphasize the importance of every element in a story, including the setting, which should be purposeful and contribute to the narrative. The setting encompasses the physical place, the time period, and the social conditions, all of which are critical in influencing the mood and the audience's emotional response to the story.

05:01
πŸ“š Analyzing the Elements of Setting in Storytelling

This paragraph delves deeper into the concept of setting within a story, breaking it down into three key elements: place, time, and social conditions. The place refers to the physical location of the story, which can affect events and the overall narrative. Time is considered in terms of the era in which the story is set, influencing characters' behaviors and audience expectations. Social conditions reflect the norms and behaviors prevalent in the story's society. The speaker illustrates how these elements combine to create the mood of the story, which can range from happy to tense, scary, or mysterious. The mood is a tool used by storytellers to manipulate the audience's emotions and create an engaging experience.

Mindmap
Keywords
πŸ’‘Face
In the context of the video, 'face' refers to the physical appearance of the video creator. The script mentions an experiment where the creator's face is not shown to prevent it from drawing attention away from the content of the video. This relates to the theme of focusing on the educational message rather than the presenter.
πŸ’‘Feedback
'Feedback' in the script is the viewers' responses or opinions about the video's content and presentation style. The creator is open to feedback to improve the learning experience, emphasizing the interactive and adaptive nature of the educational content.
πŸ’‘Setting
The 'setting' is a fundamental element of storytelling, referring to the time and place where the story occurs. In the script, it's discussed as an intentional choice that affects the mood and events of the story, highlighting its importance in creating an immersive narrative.
πŸ’‘Place
'Place' is a sub-element of setting, indicating the physical or geographic location of the story. The script uses 'place' to discuss how the physical environment can influence the story's events and the overall mood, such as an abandoned spaceship or Disneyland.
πŸ’‘Time
'Time' is another sub-element of setting that specifies when the story takes place. The script mentions different eras, like the past or future, and how they can shape the characters' behaviors and the audience's expectations.
πŸ’‘Social Conditions
'Social conditions' refer to the societal norms and behaviors within the story's world. The script explains how these conditions can be used to establish the reality of the setting and contribute to the story's mood, such as the normalcy of an abandoned spaceship or a bustling Disneyland.
πŸ’‘Mood
The 'mood' of a story is the emotional atmosphere created by the setting and events. The script describes how the combination of place, time, and social conditions can evoke specific feelings like tension, happiness, or eeriness, which is crucial for engaging the audience.
πŸ’‘Storytelling
'Storytelling' is the art of narrating stories and is the overarching theme of the video. The script discusses various elements of storytelling, such as setting and mood, to demonstrate how they work together to convey a compelling narrative.
πŸ’‘Manipulation of Emotions
'Manipulation of emotions' is the intentional use of storytelling techniques to evoke specific feelings in the audience. The script uses examples of different settings to show how a story can be designed to make the audience feel a certain way, which is a key aspect of effective storytelling.
πŸ’‘Expectations
'Expectations' are theι’„ε…ˆ beliefs or assumptions that the audience has about how a story will unfold based on its setting. The script mentions how settings can be used to set up and then subvert these expectations for a more impactful narrative.
πŸ’‘Merchant Ship
'Merchant ship' is an example used in the script to illustrate how a specific setting can create a particular mood. The mention of a merchant ship sailing through pirate-infested waters at night sets a tense and eerie mood, demonstrating the power of setting in storytelling.
Highlights

The presenter is experimenting with not showing their face in the video to see if it helps viewers focus more on the content rather than the presenter.

The importance of setting in a story is emphasized, stating that every part of a story should matter and have a purpose.

Setting includes three main elements: place, time, and social conditions, which together create the mood of the story.

The physical place where the story takes place can impact the events and overall atmosphere of the narrative.

The time period of the story can influence characters' behaviors and readers' expectations based on historical context.

Social conditions refer to the norms and behaviors of the majority of people in the story's society, which can shape the narrative.

Mood is the overall feeling that the setting imparts on the story, influenced by place, time, and social conditions.

An example is given of an abandoned spaceship in the future with no communication, creating a tense, scary, and eerie mood.

Another example contrasts the happy and joyful mood of Disneyland with the potential for a sudden shift to a darker tone.

The mood of a merchant ship at night in pirate-infested waters 300 years ago is described as tense, nervous, and creepy.

Settings can be used to establish and then subvert expectations, manipulating readers' emotions.

The presenter invites feedback on whether viewers prefer videos with or without the presenter's face shown.

The presenter is not worried about taking offense to feedback, focusing on what best serves learning.

The concept of setting is explored in depth, with examples to illustrate how it contributes to the story's mood.

The idea that settings can be complex and not easily definable is discussed, requiring interpretation by the reader.

The transcript encourages viewers to analyze the mood of a story based on its setting, place, time, and social conditions.

Transcripts
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