Final answer:
The desert setting in literature typically functions to reflect and emphasize the emotional states of characters, such as loneliness and isolation, and can even be considered a character in its own right, actively impacting the narrative.
Step-by-step explanation:
An author's choice of setting, such as a desert, plays a critical role in shaping the narrative and the perception of characters. The desert setting, by its nature, evokes feelings of loneliness, isolation, and emptiness, which can mirror or enhance a character's emotional state.
For instance, in 'Bajadas' by Francisco Cantú, the desert could be considered a character itself, influencing the story and the characters within. The desert is not merely a backdrop but a participant in the narrative, its vast and empty expanse impacting the characters' experiences and state of mind.
In literature, settings like deserts are often personified, serving as symbols for the characters' struggles and emotions. They can become formidable antagonists or silent observers, affecting the storyline and the characters' development. The significance of setting in storytelling is a topic thoroughly explored through characters' interactions with their environment, affecting the dual factors of time and place in the narrative.