Unit 3 Setting, Mood, and Imagery English 9 L.A.W.

Key Terms The setting of a story is the time and place in which the action occurs.  

Roles of Setting

1. Setting can influence characters by: Determining the living conditions and jobs available to them. Shaping their personalities, their dreams, and their values.

A poor, drought-stricken Midwestern farm town in the 1930s Despite months of grueling work, Joe’s crops are failing again. Realizing that his life may never improve, he becomes bitter and angry.

2. Setting can create conflicts by: Exposing the characters to dangerous weather, such as a storm or a drought. Making characters endure a difficult time period, such as the Great Depression.

A poor, drought-stricken Midwestern farm town in the 1930s The drought has lasted seven years, and most of the farms are failing. People have begun to sell their most prized possessions because they need money. $ =

3. Setting can serve as a symbol by: Representing an important idea. Representing a character’s hopes, future, or predicament.

A poor, drought-stricken Midwestern farm town in the 1930s Some people have planted a small flower garden in the town square. The garden is a symbol of their hope that their community can survive.

Imagery and Mood

Key Terms Words and phrases that recreate sensory experiences for readers are called imagery. Words and phrases that appeal to the five senses are called sensory details. A story’s emotional atmosphere is known as mood.

Sensory Details

Sight Sound Touch Imagery and Mood Examples Sensory Details “Flashes of lightning illuminated the ink-black sky.” “Her heart thumped wildly when she heard an ominous scratching on the door. “Another cobweb stuck to her cold, clammy skin.” Mood of…? Sight Sound Touch

4. Taste 5. Smell Imagery and Mood Sensory Detail Examples 4. “She could not get the metallic taste of fear out of her mouth.” 5. “The foul smell of dead mice hung in the air.” 4. Taste 5. Smell

“She could not get the metallic taste of fear out of her mouth.” “Flashes of lightning illuminated the ink-black sky.” “The foul smell of dead mice hung in the air.” “Another cobweb stuck to her cold, clammy skin.” “Her heart thumped wildly when she heard an ominous scratching on the door. Mood created…?