Question

There's a lot of action in this book, some of it going on in the foreground (what happens to Isabel) and some in the background (what happens in places like Trenton and Princeton). Why do you think the author told you what was taking place in, for example, Philadelphia when this book is mainly about Isabel's life in New York?

Answer 1

The inclusion of events in locations like Philadelphia in a book focused on Isabel in New York enhances the narrative by providing context, historical verisimilitude, and a broader socio-political environment that shapes the story's characters and themes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The importance of mentioning events in locations like Philadelphia when the book mainly follows Isabel's life in New York is tied to the significance of setting in a narrative. The setting enriches the story by providing critical context that shapes characters and the overall narrative. In literature, the setting is not simply a backdrop, but it's fundamental to the development of the story's themes, conflicts, and characters.

By expanding the geographical scope, the author is able to illustrate the broader socio-political environment in which the characters, including Isabel, live their lives. This helps the reader understand the historical and cultural influences during the time period in which the story is set. It also allows the characters' personal stories to resonate more deeply, as they are interwoven with real-world events and locales, making the narrative more engaging and authentic.

The additional details about various events and locations help to create a sense of historical verisimilitude and remind the reader that the characters are part of a larger world where important events take shape beyond their immediate sight. This might also affect the characters indirectly and set the stage for the actions and decisions they will make within the narrative.

Answer 2

The author includes events in Philadelphia to create a rich, immersive setting and to show how Isabel's personal experiences are interconnected with larger historical events, thus enriching the narrative and echoing the complexity of real life.

Step-by-step explanation:

The author's inclusion of events taking place in locations such as Philadelphia, even though the book is primarily focused on Isabel's life in New York, is significant for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it helps create a rich, immersive setting that serves as a backdrop for the story, adding depth to the narrative and giving the reader a sense of time and place, which are key to understanding the characters’ decisions and the plot's unfolding. According to Eudora Welty, “every story would be another story, and unrecognizable as art, if it took up its characters and plot and happened somewhere else.” This highlights the importance of setting in narrative and how it is essential for the story’s essence.

Secondly, by informing the reader about events in the background, such as those in Trenton and Princeton, the author connects Isabel’s personal experiences with the larger historical context. Exposition helps the reader understand the themes and conflicts that arise in the story. It also reflects the character being 'handcuffed to history,' underscoring how individual lives are affected by larger historical and political developments. The dual focus on Isabel’s life and the greater historical events allows the author to develop a narrative that echoes the complexity of real life, where personal stories are interwoven with societal changes.