Class Monday 20/3 The symbolism of weather

We spoke a lot about the setting in time and place when reading Purple Hibiscus, Persepolis
and also when reading Carol Ann Duffy’s poetry in the World’s Wife. Setting is an important
feature of literature as it does not only provide the backdrop to a story, but also contributes
to the mood of the story, the idea of the characters, and to symbolism. One aspect of setting
is the use of seasons and weather.

1. Start by brainstorming in your portfolio what different seasons may mean in a text of
literature. How may they be used?
Do the same for different kinds of weather and weather phenomena:
- A hot summer’s day
- Pouring rain or a light rain
- Thunderstorm
- Ice and snow
- Dark grey skies
- Clouds …

2. Watch the two clips and write down your ideas of what mood we are placed in
through the setting/weather:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuMu4Hmk_s8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOsn_9t7AsQ

The second clip is from an adaptation of the famous classic novel Jane Eyre. Jane has just
been proposed to by the master of the household in which she is a governess. The house has
a dark secret.

3. Go to pages 7,9, 11-12, 37 in Home Fire. How does the use of weather contribute to
the mood and atmosphere? Write in your portfolio!

4.