Final answer:
The setting underscores Mrs. Stevens's isolation by reflecting her emotional state with physical solitude, as seen in references to empty spaces and stillness in various literary examples.
Step-by-step explanation:
How the setting helps emphasize that Mrs. Stevens is alone can be seen through the descriptions of her surroundings and her interactions. The environment often mirrors a character's emotional state, and in this case, it reinforces Mrs. Stevens's feeling of isolation.
Literary Examples
In the provided excerpts, the use of setting in literature illustrates the loneliness of various characters. Notably, the vastness and emptiness of their homes, the stillness, and the silence all contribute to a profound sense of solitude. The characters express their loneliness explicitly through dialogue, or it is portrayed indirectly through their actions and the response of their environment.
For instance, Trina's experience in the dark, empty stairway, and the quiet, deserted hall, underscores her sudden isolation after her wedding. Similarly, Mrs. Peters recalls the stillness after the loss of her child, highlighting her emotional and physical isolation during that time. The feelings of loneliness are an important theme across these narratives, where the characters find themselves physically alone in a space that seems to reflect their internal state of abandonment or separation.