Thursday, March 5, 2009

Setting

The book is set in Norway. The area of Norway that the book is set in is very much so secluded which reflects Trond's character. I found the setting interesting because of where the book is located and how Americans perceive Norway that the story could take place at any time. Because Trond secludes himself almost completely, no world events are mentioned also making it plausible for the story to have taken place at any time. It is not just that the story is set in Norway but that Trond has returned to Norway that are significant things to consider dealing with the setting. The land around him and seeing his boy again from his childhood spark his memories. Nowhere but Norway could have done that Trond. When Trond is an old man, the land around reflects his character. He is not located near anywhere else. When Trond reflects back on his childhood, all is different when the landscape is described. The stream by his house growing up was mentioned, the fields, and trees. It is also noticable that Trond grew up with other people around. Jon lived close by. Trond was located close to town and close enough to his neighbors that he and Jon could go out stealing horses.

6 comments:

  1. I think its very interesting that you related his character on the land around him. I like how you said that he is not located near anything else because this shows that he is lonely. I also liked how you noticed the change in setting from his childhood to him as an adult.

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  2. Sara, I love how you connected the setting directly to Trond's character! Also, I hadn't even considered the timelessness of Petterson's writing, and I can't wait to read about the significance of his return to Norway and the memories that it sparks.

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  3. I hadn't even considered why Trond returned to Norway. I wonder if there is a specific reason or event that caused him to besides him just wanting to be alone

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  4. Sara,
    I also thought the area Trond lives in relates to his personality because he seems very private and secluded. I thought maybe the reason he wanted to be alone had something to do with an event in his childhood. Maybe he got into more trouble and realized it was easier to be alone.

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  5. Sara,
    I like how you picked up on the difference of the two settings. I feel that Petterson has done this for a very specific reason which involves some serious thought.

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  6. Sara,
    I really like how you related your post to the world now. I never really thought about it until you brought it up that the way the setting is described, it could be any time and anywhere in Norway. I feel like because Trond decides to move back to Norway he must have had a very strong connection and liked to live in a secluded area.

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