The document discusses how writers set the scene or setting in a story. It explains that setting provides the time and place for a story. By describing the location in detail, writers can create suspense, excitement and imagery. Specific words and phrases that describe surroundings can build atmosphere and mood. The document then provides examples from H.G. Wells' short story "The Red Room" to illustrate how setting is used to create a spooky atmosphere.

1. How does a writer set the scene?

2. Setting The setting tells the reader when and where a story takes place. Setting means a certain place at a certain time . When a writer sets the scene he/she gives a detailed description of the place which the story is set. Without a strong sense of place it is hard to achieve suspense , excitement and imagery . When a writer sets the scene it creates a mood and atmosphere.

3. Task 1- List the words or phrases which create an atmosphere or suspense His house was a grand sight - the redness of it’s bricks cried against the forest in the background. It’s massiveness cast a long shadow over the backyard, prostrate and vanishing into the darkness of the woods. What was in the shadows attracted even more attention, so much, so that the bright house would sink into the shadow of your mind. In your own words explain what each of your listed words tells the reader.

4. Setting – Lorraine Castle The ‘Red Room’ is set in Lorraine Castle which is believed to be haunted, because previously a Dukes died on the premises after his attempt to conquer the castles ‘ghostly tradition’.

5. HG Wells Sets the Scene The Red Room is a typical gothic setting, the strange and mysterious atmosphere is set up by the descriptions of the castle features , décor , and furniture .

6. The queer Mirror In literature and films mirrors are often used to create a chilling impact. E.g. The ‘queer old mirror’ reflects distortion or abnormality, when the narrator caught a glimpse of himself he described it as ‘ abbreviated and broadened to an impossible sturdiness’ although the narrator outwardly appears as abrupt and confident, the disfigured image which he sees suggest that he has inner feelings of doubt. The distortion can also be interpreted as a connection to the unsteady fall which the narrator encounters towards the end of the story.

7. Task work in pairs (optional) Consider the following objects/settings and explain:- How do these items help to reinforce a spooky atmosphere? You must use the Point, Quote, Comment format. Subterranean passage Spiral staircase Choose a setting of your choice ( use the example on the previous slide to help you, use PQC )

8. How to Analyse the setting Read this extract. What atmosphere is the writer setting up, explain how Wells does this. pick out key words &Use PQC to explain what they mean . ‘ The long, draughty, subterranean passage was chilly and dusty, and my candle flared and made the shadows cower and quiver. The echoes rang up and down the spiral staircase, and a shadow came sweeping up after me, and one fled before me into the darkness over head.’

9. Here is a simple example As the writer sets the scene he effectively builds tension. The first sentence of the extract points out what seems at the time to be a long fearful journey; his surroundings are old, dirty and cold. As the narrator proceeds through the underground passage, the flaring of the candle highlights the movement of shadows. The ‘sweeping’ motion adds an eerie effect and gives the image that narrator is accompanied by moving spirits.

10. Final Reminder When a writer sets the scene he/she gives a detailed description of the place which the story is set. Look for descriptions of furniture, décor, and surroundings.