Final answer:
The setting in narratives, particularly those involving refugees, is pivotal as it encompasses the location, time, and cultural context of the story. It affects themes, character experiences, and the plot's progression. Changes in setting can represent developments in the narrative, such as shifts from danger to safety or adapting to new cultural contexts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The setting of a narrative is a critical backdrop that frames the plot and characters, encompassing the location, time period, and social and cultural context. In the case of stories about refugees, such as in Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children, the setting not only provides a place for the events to unfold but also deeply influences the themes and the experiences of the characters. For instance, refugee camps in places like Syria or Jordan become settings that highlight the plight and resilience of individuals escaping conflict.
Moreover, narratives set in specific time periods, like the aftermath of World War II or during ongoing civil wars, underscore the historical significance and often shape the character's actions and the story's direction.
Changing settings can reveal the evolving nature of a story, as characters move through different locations or as time progresses, offering new challenges and opportunities for development.
For example, in refugee narratives, a change in setting from a war-torn country to a resettlement area can shift the storyline from survival to adaptation and the search for identity in a new environment. In such stories, authors may use descriptive language and cultural references to create vivid imagery and emotional resonance, thereby molding the reader's understanding and perception of the refugees' journey.