Final answer:
The setting in Chapter 2 of A Long Walk to Water shapes the characters' lives and decisions and drives the plot forward with a sense of urgency and desperation. It also contributes to the theme of survival and the importance of water.
Step-by-step explanation:
The setting in Chapter 2 of A Long Walk to Water plays an important role in shaping both the characters and the plot. The chapter is set in the Nuba Mountains in Sudan during the Second Sudanese Civil War. This setting of war and conflict directly impacts the characters' lives and decisions. For example, it forces the main character, Salva, to flee his village and embark on a treacherous journey to find safety and water.
The harsh and dangerous environment intensifies the challenges and obstacles the characters face, driving the plot forward. It creates a sense of urgency and desperation, as well as highlighting the resilience and determination of the characters. Additionally, the setting also contributes to the theme of survival and the importance of water in the story.