Final answer:
Setting contributes to the plot of a novel by establishing the physical context, including time and place, which affects character behavior and events, and by evoking mood that complements the narrative, influencing the plot's direction and reader's experience.
Step-by-step explanation:
In what two ways does setting contribute to the plot of a novel? The setting of a novel plays a crucial role in shaping its plot in various ways. Firstly, setting establishes the physical context in which the story unfolds, including time and place that are integral to the narrative. A novel like Gone With the Wind, set in Georgia during the American Civil War, uses its setting to influence the plot by placing characters in a historical context, thus affecting their behaviors and the progression of events.
Secondly, the setting can also be used to evoke a specific mood that complements or enhances the narrative. For instance, Edgar Allan Poe's The Fall of the House of Usher employs a dark, oppressive setting to induce feelings of confinement and depression in the reader, mirroring the internal states of the characters and thereby impacting the plot's development. Furthermore, setting can embody the cultural and social context of the story, influencing character choices and actions.
Thus, setting is not merely a backdrop but a dynamic component that interacts with characters and plot, shaping the story's direction and themes. An effective narrative typically establishes its setting early on, helping readers visualize the action and understand its significance to the plot and character development.