Final answer:
Starting with a city description sets the tone for a narrative and frames characters within their societal context, as in the works of Charles Dickens or in the painting 'Nighthawks'. This technique can augment our understanding of characters' roles, emotions, and the social issues they navigate.
Step-by-step explanation:
An author's choice to begin with a description of the city sets the mood and provides context for the character's situation. Charles Dickens, for instance, is known for his detailed portrayals of urban life that inform his narratives and reflect societal conditions. These descriptions can offer direct contrast to characters, highlight elements of their lives, serve as metaphors, or underscore the structure of the human condition.
Similarly, when we look at the setting in other narratives, such as those by Twain or in the painting 'Nighthawks,' the use of vivid details and imagery enhances the reader's or viewer's perception. In texts that start with describing the environment, the juxtaposition can amplify our understanding of the character's emotions and societal roles, such as alienation or connection, reflecting the broader social issues of the time.
'Life in the Iron Mills' by Rebecca Harding Davis, and the realist writers of the nineteenth century like Dickens, portrayed the impact of industrialization and provided a lens through which the contemporary society was viewed.