The setting (place and time) of a story makes up most of the plot. The environment influences the characters and how they act. The author may use this frame to create an image in the mind of the reader. The setting also gives the values and beliefs of the characters, helping the reader to understand their motivations actions and reactions. This factor can be seen in two works of literature. Roman Fever by Edith Wharton, and The Sky is Gray by Ernest J. Gaines.
             In order to get the reader to focus on the plot, Roman Fever begins by explaining the setting. The two American ladies portrayed in the fictional story is placed at the top of a "lofty terrace of the Roman restaurant, leaning on its parapet, looking down on the outspread glories of the Palatine and the Forum, with the same expression of vague but benevolent approval". The time period is in the past where women are portrayed as the weaker sex and the expression of femininity is vital. It becomes clear that the author, Edith Wharton, is trying to create an image for the reader. This mild description evokes immediate foreshadowing of what is to be expected.
             The mood is established from the beginning to the end in the fictional story, The Sky is Gray. Ernest Gaines establishes an atmosphere where the reader can easily predict the structure of the story and the impact such environment may have on the characters. The location is in the south (America). The character's vernacular implies that the story took place in the past. Such a setting makes the reader visualize the story and therefore have a better understanding. Throughout the story the character's hopes and dreams can easily be referred back to the theme, The Sky is Gray, the fulfillment of these were vague and hopeless. The author is successful in making the reader understand and empathize with the characters.
             In all the cases, the essential element that give the reader both backgro...