Short story writers often use landcape elements to enchance their stories. "Warm
River" by Erstine Coldwell effectively uses enviroment in a variety of ways to contribute to
understanding of the story. Refrences to the footbridge, mountains, and light all help to clarify
Although the footbridge only appears at the beginning of the story, it is one way to
understanding the theme. When Richard gets off the train he has taken to get to Gretchens
house, he discovers he must cross a suspended footbridge across a river to get to her. As he
walks across, the footbridge moves and he gets nervous. Coldwell writes, "the creaking
footbridge swayed with the rhythm of my stride and the momentum of its swing soon overcame
my pace" (221). This is an example of what is going through Richard's head; he is hesitant about love.
When Richard finally crosses the footbridge, he laughed at himself for running from the
footbridge. Gretchen greeted him at the gravel path. Gretchen exclaimed, "Did the footbridge
frighten you, Richard"(221). This quotation helps the reader understand that Richard fears the
thought of love. The footbridge adds a suspensefull touch to the story, which helps the reader
The mountains are a sign on love in this short story. Gretchens father was a master
mechanic. He awaited Richards arrival on the front porch. Father inquires, "Is this the first time
you have been up here in the mountains, Richard" (223). This was not only Richards first time being in
the mountains, but his first time ever being in love. Gretchens father was happily married for
almost twenty years in the mountains. It is the only place where he can find peace. The father
attemps to "see someone on the other side of the river, high on the mountain top... tears fell
from his face..." (224). This extensive use
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