What narrative technique does the author include in this excerpt from Enrique's Journey, and how does it support the author's purpose?
The author uses setting to show a sense of accomplishment in the excerpt from Enrique's Journey. The author describes Enrique greeting the dawn without incident, the stars receding, and the sky lightening behind the mountains to the east. Additionally, mist rises off the fields on both sides of the tracks, and men trot by on burros with tin milk containers strapped to their saddles, starting their morning deliveries. This detailed description of the setting creates a sense of achievement and progress as Enrique starts his day and continues his journey.
Using setting as a narrative technique in this excerpt supports the author's purpose by providing a visual and atmospheric backdrop for Enrique's experiences. By painting a vivid picture of the surroundings, the author immerses the reader in the journey and conveys the sense of accomplishment that Enrique feels. The setting enhances the overall tone of the passage and helps to establish the mood of the scene. By utilizing setting in this way, the author adds depth and resonance to Enrique's story and allows readers to connect more deeply with his journey and emotions.
The Importance of Setting in Narrative
Setting plays a crucial role in storytelling, as it not only provides a backdrop for the events that unfold but also contributes to the overall mood and atmosphere of a narrative. By describing the physical environment in which the characters exist, the author can create a sense of place and time that enhances the reader's understanding and engagement with the story.
Setting as a Source of Meaning:
In the excerpt from Enrique's Journey, the author uses the setting to convey a sense of accomplishment and progress. The description of the dawn breaking, the stars receding, and mist rising off the fields all contribute to the feeling of movement and growth. This sense of achievement is reflective of Enrique's journey and the challenges he has overcome, making the setting not just a backdrop but a source of meaning and symbolism in the narrative.
Setting as a Reflection of Character:
Additionally, setting can be used to reflect the inner world of a character and their emotions. In this excerpt, the calm and serene setting of the dawn breaking creates a contrast with Enrique's turbulent inner thoughts and feelings. The bustling activity of men starting their morning deliveries against the peaceful backdrop of the sky lightening illustrates the complexity of Enrique's emotional journey and the challenges he faces.
Setting as a Tool for Atmosphere:
Moreover, setting helps to establish the overall atmosphere and tone of a narrative. In Enrique's Journey, the detailed description of the setting creates a sense of tranquility and hope, despite the challenges that Enrique may encounter. The setting sets the stage for the events that follow and establishes the mood of the scene, drawing the reader further into the story and building anticipation for what may come next.
In conclusion, the author's use of setting as a narrative technique in the excerpt from Enrique's Journey serves to support the author's purpose by creating a sense of accomplishment, conveying the inner workings of the characters, and establishing the overall mood and atmosphere of the narrative. By skillfully incorporating setting into the storytelling, the author enhances the reader's understanding and emotional connection to the story, making Enrique's journey a compelling and engaging tale of resilience and triumph.