The Importance of Setting

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Objective

I can analyze how setting contributes to the meaning of a story.

Part 1 of 4

Warm-up video

TED-Ed · 4:36Vetted channel

We don't generate video — this one is by TED-Ed on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.

Part 2 of 4

Key concepts

3 concepts

  1. 1

    According to H.P. Lovecraft, the strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown, which writers can harness by leaving the audience hanging in anticipation.

  2. 2

    To build suspense, authors can limit the point of view, choose the right setting and imagery, and play with style and form.

  3. 3

    Two techniques for creating suspense are dramatic irony, where the audience knows something the characters don't, and the cliffhanger, which cuts off right before a crucial revelation.

Part 3 of 4

Practice

3 questions

1

Which of the following is NOT a technique mentioned in the video for creating suspense?

2

According to the video, which setting is often used to create suspense due to its ability to limit visibility and restrict movement?

Part 4 of 4

Exit ticket

Quick comprehension check

Explain how the setting of an old mansion with winding halls and secret passageways can contribute to the suspense and meaning of a horror story.

Sample answer included in the free materials

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Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format

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