Question

#4

Excerpt from Hollow City by Ransom Riggs
"We rowed out through the harbor, past bobbing boats weeping rust from their seams, past
juries or silent seabirds roosting atop the barnacled remains of sunken docks, past fisherme
who lowered their nets to stare frozenly as we slipped by, uncertain whether we were real or
imagined; a procession of waterborne ghosts, or ghosts soon to be. We were ten children ar
one bird in three small and unsteady boats, rowing with quiet intensity straight out to sea, the
only safe harbor for miles receding quickly behind us, craggy and magical in the blue-gold lig
of dawn. Our goal, the rutted coast of mainland Wales, was somewhere before us but only d
visible, an inky smudge squatting along the far horizon.".





how could the setting in the story affect the characters

Answer 1

Overall, the setting in the story affects the characters by generating feelings of isolation, danger, connection to nature, and symbolizing their journey's purpose. These effects can shape the characters' emotions, decisions, and experiences throughout the story.

Step-by-step explanation:

The setting in the story, as described in the excerpt, can have several effects on the characters:

1. Sense of isolation: The characters are rowing out through the harbor, leaving behind the only safe harbor they know. As they head towards the distant coast of mainland Wales, the characters may feel isolated and cut off from their familiar surroundings. This isolation can evoke feelings of uncertainty and vulnerability in the characters.

2. Perilous journey: The description of the harbor with rusted boats and sunken docks creates a sense of danger and decay. The characters are rowing through this environment, facing the unknown challenges of the sea. The setting adds a sense of risk and adventure to their journey, affecting their emotions and actions.

3. Connection to nature: The characters encounter seabirds, fisherme, and the sea itself. The presence of nature in the setting can influence the characters' perception of their surroundings and their connection to the natural world. The beauty and magic described in the blue-gold light of dawn can evoke awe and wonder, impacting the characters' emotions and experiences.

4. Symbolism: The setting, with the distant coast of mainland Wales as their goal, represents hope and a potential safe haven for the characters. The visible but distant coastline can create anticipation and drive their determination. It serves as a symbol of their journey's purpose and the potential for a better future.