Sunday, March 8, 2009

Setting

The setting of this book takes place in Norway. The area of Norway that it is set in is near in the countryside of Norway. The area is lacking in people and full of nature. To me it seems that the setting is much stronger than the characters. Unlike other books where the setting could be quite interchangeable this setting is not. The harsh conditions have made the characters the way that they are, strong and practical. The demanding and rugged nature of the setting commands the characters to heed and follow the weather. Trond talks of the roads where he is forced off and the he also struggles with the how he will plow in winter. Also in his youth the rough waters of the creek and burning summer sun demand that the character’s act with strength to battle against the setting. Ultimately the characters know that the violent and powerful setting that surrounds them controls their lives.

5 comments:

  1. I like your idea that the setting of Out Stealing Horses is what makes the characters the way they are. I agree that the harsh winters of Norway make the characters strong. Also, the work that goes into keeping up a house similar to Tronds, for instance, splitting logs so that he will be able to be warm in the winter, keeps the characters practical.

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  2. Nels-

    I really like how you noticed that the setting is not "interchangeable". The weather does play a huge part in how they live their daily lives, and I never noticed that before. It seems as though the characters have a deep respect for their surroundings and that adds to the book as well. Trond could never live in a bustling, urban area- the remoteness suits him perfectly.

    Stacey

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  3. Nels,
    I think that it is very interesting that you said that the setting is much stronger than the characters are. Your comment about how the nature controls the characters is very good and I agree with you!

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  4. Nels,
    I really like your insight on how you related the characters to the setting. I didn't realize the setting dramatically built characters' lifestyles. Trond is a very strong character and it could be that it is because of the land he has been familiarized with throughout his life.

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  5. I agree with Alexa on her statement that characters are developed by the land. I think that it is kind of ironic, because some people work/develop the land, but in turn the land develops them, it works both ways. I like how you mentioned the struggles that the characters must take against setting.

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