1. Setting in a prose commentary

2. A place where action happens
At its simplest setting is simply the place to put characters and events
Step 1
Try to establish when and where your extract is set. You can pick this up from the date on the extract or specific references to place/time in the text

3. Time + Place
Time can refer to the historical setting or the actual time that passes during the narrative
For a setting to be convincing the historical reality needs to be consistent with he characters (For instance, a novel set in 1750 could not have a female character working as a doctor)
Place refers to the geography of the story. It could be as big as the galaxy or as small as a living room in a Jane Austen novel

4. Symbolism of setting
Is a particular setting associated with an idea or a theme
Are different settings used for contrasting symbolic effects

5. Weather/climate

6. Urban vs wild

7. Indoors vs Outdoors
Indoor settings can be quite a contrast with outdoor settings
Indoor settings may reflect the interior psychological state of a character

8. Connections to character
How does the character(s) fit into the setting?
Are they alienated from it or at ease with it?
Compare the symbolism of a character with the symbolism of the setting

9. Language
Look for figurative language to describe setting –how does it help setting.
Look for adjectives to describe setting
Look for personification (this can also transform setting into character)

10. Mood/Atmosphere
One of the most important aspects of setting is creating mood or atmosphere. For instance in a scary story, we may want a spooky atmosphere.
Conversely, Jane Austen novel will use a sunny countryside village for a quite different mood