The Importance of Setting.

[Boromir88]

Setting, as we all know, is time and place. But, writers will use that small information of setting, to their advantage, to add depth to the story. Good writers will do this. This thread is to discuss the setting Tolkien gives us in his book, and what it adds to the story.

First off, there are 5 functions of setting:
1) Background for action-simple leads you into the action, leads you into the story.
2) Antagonist- this is the setting acting as the antagonist to the protagonist(s).
3) Creates atmosphere/mood- sets the tone basically, gives you a feeling. For example a dark, damp, dreary place, would give you uneasiness or a sense of evil.
4) reveals character- this is where the setting reveals info/characteristics about a certain character. For example where he's from, is he a man with determination and good of will, or is he evil and gives up easily.
5) reinforces the theme- some writers will use the setting to reinforce the whole theme/moral of the story.

Note: Background for action is only possible to be "used" if the other 4 functions are not used. But, the other 4 functions could be combined. For example, a setting could reveal something about a character, and it could act as the antagonist. Background for action is only used if the other 4 are not.

Have at it, I would like to get a good discussion going because Tolkien does use a lot of setting, and setting functions. There's Mordor, Rohan, Gondor, The Shire, or places like Lothlorien, Cirith Ungol, Minas Tirith, Caradhras, and Shelob's lair. Tell me what you think and how Tolkien is using these settings to add depth to his stories.