Final answer:
The setting of 'Charles' by Shirley Jackson is primarily in the family home of the main character, Laurie, and reflects the everyday life of a mid-20th century American family. The home serves as a backdrop to the behavior of children, particularly a boy named Charles, emphasizing themes of growing up and family dynamics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The setting of the story Charles by Shirley Jackson takes place primarily in the family home of the main character, Laurie, who starts kindergarten and tells his parents about a mischievous boy named Charles. The home is the scene where Laurie's parents discuss the behaviors of the children at school, which Laurie reports daily. Although not heavily described, the home setting serves as a contrasting backdrop to the unruly behavior attributed to Charles, highlighting themes of innocence, deception, and the struggles of growing up. The time period is not explicitly stated but can be inferred to be around the mid-20th century, considering the story was published in 1948.
Setting in literature establishes the time, place, and social/cultural context. In "Charles", the setting contributes to the general mood of the story, reflecting the everyday life of an American family and the challenges of parenthood and childhood.