Final answer:
Conflict is the central tension in a story, which is shaped and influenced by the setting, including time and place. Rushdie's Midnight's Children illustrates the profound impact of setting on narrative meaning and character destinies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The conflict in a story refers to the main problem or tension that is integral to the plot and is closely linked to the main character's journey. The setting of a story, which includes the time and place, plays a vital role in shaping the characters' experiences, the theme, and the conflict itself. Time and place can greatly influence the language used, the atmosphere of the narrative, and the social circumstances depicted in the story. For instance, a story set during a historical period of political unrest might have a conflict centered around political oppression.
The significance of setting in Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie exemplifies how the time and place of a narrative's unfolding are 'handcuffed to history' influencing the story's direction and the characters' destinies. The cultural environment, indicated by traditional gestures and the merging of traditional and modern values, as well as the historical context, all affect the main conflict and themes explored in the narrative.
Role of Setting in a Story
Setting can act as more than just a backdrop; it can be an essential component of the plot or theme.
The setting creates a specific geography, weather, time of day, and social conditions for the story.
Understanding the time period of the setting helps to grasp its effect on language, atmosphere, and social circumstances.