Sunday, March 8, 2009

Setting

The very beginning of "Out Stealing Horses," by Per Petterson takes place in an isolated area of Norway. Trond lives in a small cabin in the woods with his dog, Lyra. He has only one neighbor, who he rarely sees. Trond appreciates where he lives in because he enjoys being alone. Through the descriptions of the landscape, the area seems to be very peaceful. With all the peace and quiet, Trond is able to reflect back on his life. He remembers back to the summers when he was younger. During the flashback chapters Trond lives in a cabin with his father during the summer. During the other seasons he and his father live in town with his mother and sister. He spends time with his friend Jon, but later it is shown that Trond would much rather be alone. I think that the setting is related to Trond's personality. The setting seems very laid-back and clam, just like him. I also think the setting when Trond was younger, along with the events that have occured in his life influenced his decision to live in the simple way he does.

7 comments:

  1. Caitlin,
    I really like how you related the setting with Trond's personality. I too feel that it very much resembles his calm, solitary personality as well.

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  2. Caitlin,
    I think what you said about how his past and the events that have occured in his life influenced where he wanted to and how he lived is very interesting.

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  3. I agree that it sounds peaceful in the beginning but I think that there is more to it. It feels as though there is some sort of turbulent under tone as in the rough currents of the river or the excited rush the Trond receives after getting run off the road. The impending winter seems to be upsetting the quiet balance of Trond's Surroundings.

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  4. I like what you said about Trond appreciating where he lives. I think that Trond does enjoy living in his remote cabin. While he doesn't mind being around people sometimes, he explains that he feels akward talking to people, so he enjoys living by himself.

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  5. Caitlin-

    I like how you noticed the setting reflects Trond's character itself. I believe that it goes both ways- he reflects his surroundings as well. He is a very introverted person, and fits in well in the secluded area where he lives.

    Stacey

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  6. Caitlin,
    I like how you noted the descriptions of the landscape. I also noticed some good descriptions that made the landscape seem very peaceful.It was very wooded and isolated, that there wasn't much that could bother someone.

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  7. Caitlin,
    I agree that setting relates to Tronds personality. I also think that Petterson's writing makes it seem that way because he doesn't exaggerate any of the scenery in the book. He keeps it simple and calm just like you said. Maybe Petterson did this on purpose because he could have easily over exaggerated the setting to make the book seem more colorful.

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