how setting shapes theme
Setting is a very important factor to consider when analyzing literature. It plays a very large role in the development of literature. Setting even has the ability to shape the theme of the story. Throughout this essay I will be discussing how setting shapes various themes in the poems “The journey of the magi”, “The darkling thrush”, and “the road not taken”
The poem, “The journey of the magi” by T.S. elliot is an excellent example of the setting of a poem shaping its theme. The setting dates back two thousand years ago. The journey of the Magi is filled with poor weather and harsh terrain. These elements of the setting helps create the theme of suffering in the poem. The quote:
“Then at dawn we came down to a temperate valley, Wet, below the snow line, smelling of vegetation” describes the setting upon the Magi’s arrival to Bethlehem. It shapes the theme of religion in the poem because the setting becomes much more pleasant when the magi reach the holy land.
The poem “The Darkling Thrush” by Thomas Hardy is another great example of a poem’s theme being shaped by the setting. The poem has a very barren and empty setting. An example of this is: “And Winter's dregs made desolate, The weakening eye of day.”
This quote describes the setting’s empty landscape. This desolate setting shapes the theme of isolation in the poem. In addition, this cold and empty landscape shapes the theme of hope in the poem by being the “gloom” required in order to have hope:
”An aged thrush, frail, gaunt, and small,
In a blast-beruffled plume, Had chosen thus to fling his soul
Upon the growing gloom.”
This quote explains how the gloom caused by the setting shapes the theme. The thrush’s singing is contrasted by the hopeless, empty and cold setting, allowing it to symbolise hope.
The poem, “The journey of the magi” by T.S. elliot is an excellent example of the setting of a poem shaping its theme. The setting dates back two thousand years ago. The journey of the Magi is filled with poor weather and harsh terrain. These elements of the setting helps create the theme of suffering in the poem. The quote:
“Then at dawn we came down to a temperate valley, Wet, below the snow line, smelling of vegetation” describes the setting upon the Magi’s arrival to Bethlehem. It shapes the theme of religion in the poem because the setting becomes much more pleasant when the magi reach the holy land.
The poem “The Darkling Thrush” by Thomas Hardy is another great example of a poem’s theme being shaped by the setting. The poem has a very barren and empty setting. An example of this is: “And Winter's dregs made desolate, The weakening eye of day.”
This quote describes the setting’s empty landscape. This desolate setting shapes the theme of isolation in the poem. In addition, this cold and empty landscape shapes the theme of hope in the poem by being the “gloom” required in order to have hope:
”An aged thrush, frail, gaunt, and small,
In a blast-beruffled plume, Had chosen thus to fling his soul
Upon the growing gloom.”
This quote explains how the gloom caused by the setting shapes the theme. The thrush’s singing is contrasted by the hopeless, empty and cold setting, allowing it to symbolise hope.