Final answer:
The setting of a story regarding a snowtown preventing westward movement would likely be harsh and wintry, drawing inspiration from historical tales of frontier life and reflecting a battle against nature. This setting would establish a mood of isolation and depict the struggle of characters within an inhospitable snowy landscape.
Step-by-step explanation:
In literature, the setting of a story plays a crucial role in establishing context and the mood for the narrative. An expected setting for a story about a snowtown that impedes the movement of a group of people heading west might include descriptions of a harsh, wintry environment, perhaps suggestive of a historical period of westward expansion. The details of the setting would likely include elements such as shuttered mills over river ice, snowy pastures void of horses, and trains bleakly crossing into winter landscapes as described in the reference texts.
For instance, using the excerpts for inspiration, a writer could depict a quiet, frost-covered town, with homes and businesses trapped in snowdrifts, the chill air filled with the silence of a snowy frontier. The environment may feel both beautiful yet inhospitable, reflecting themes such as isolation and the battle against nature's elements, a theme often found in the literature focusing on frontier life and exploration.
The plot of such a story might revolve around how the characters cope with the challenges imposed by the snowtown's environment, creating a backdrop for struggle and perseverance. The narrative could follow their trials and tribulations, reflecting on the human condition when faced with the relentless force of nature.