Final answer:
Setting in literature refers to the time and place where the story occurs and is key to establishing context and mood, affecting character development, and highlighting themes. Examples include the vivid descriptions of wealth in "Esperanza Rising" and the mood-setting in Edgar Allan Poe's works.
Step-by-step explanation:
Setting is the backdrop against which the characters and plot of a story unfold. It includes the time and place where the story takes place and helps in establishing the context required for readers to understand and visualize the narrative. For example, the setting of "Esperanza Rising" is crucial as it allows readers to comprehend the contrasting lives led by Esperanza in Mexico and the United States, highlighting themes such as wealth disparity and the immigrant experience. Moreover, in literature like "The Fall of the House of Usher" by Edgar Allan Poe, the setting not only establishes a mood but also parallels the psychological states of the characters.
In identifying the setting of a story, you consider the description and significance of the location and how it's portrayed to affect the reader's perception. An effective story, like "Bajadas" by Francisco Cantú, which takes place on the U.S. Mexico border, or "Hamlet" set in Denmark, uses setting to enhance mood, theme, and to reflect character development. These elements are integral to creating a vivid and immersive experience for readers.