Final answer:
The element of the setting that represents the geographic location is 'place'. The setting, encompassing both place and time, shapes the mood, theme, and plot, and is crucial to understanding a story's characters and events.
Step-by-step explanation:
In literature, the element of the setting that consists of the geographic location is referred to as place. The setting is created by various aspects including geography, weather, time of day, and social conditions. The geographical location is significant, as it can deeply influence the mood, theme, and plot of the story. For example, in "The Fall of the House of Usher" by Edgar Allan Poe, the oppressive setting correlates with the mental state of the characters, highlighting Poe's use of setting as a reflection of internal character development.
The time period is also a critical part of the setting, influencing the language, atmosphere, and social circumstances within which the characters operate. Reading with an awareness of the setting's time and place can provide deeper insights into the narrative events and characterizations within the story.