Final answer:
Stevenson starts each chapter with a different setting primarily to create suspense and variety, keeping the reader engaged and the story compelling. This technique also showcases his descriptive skills and highlights themes relating to time and place that are central to the storyline and character development.
Step-by-step explanation:
Robert Louis Stevenson begins each chapter with a different setting in his narratives for a specific purpose. One of the reasons for this technique is to create suspense and variety, which is integral to maintaining a reader's interest and keeping the story fresh and engaging. This approach can serve multiple narrative functions, such as providing a natural transition to another character's point of view or introducing new conflicts and themes. For instance, the changing settings could symbolize the protagonist's journey both literally, as they move through different locales, and metaphorically, reflecting their personal growth and changes. The variety of settings can also help to illustrate time and place, which are essential elements in storytelling that contribute significantly to the narrative's events and character dynamics.
Moreover, an author's choice to begin each chapter with a different setting can demonstrate their descriptive skills. Take the example of Charles Dickens, who is known for his meticulous and vibrant descriptions; the detailed setting serves not only to orient the reader but also to showcase the author's ability to paint a vivid picture of the world in which the characters live. Such descriptive prowess can enrich the themes of the narrative and provide a more immersive reading experience.