The Birds
by Daphne du Maurier

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The Birds: Setting 1 key example

Definition of Setting

Setting is where and when a story or scene takes place. The where can be a real place like the city of New York, or it can be an imagined... read full definition
Setting is where and when a story or scene takes place. The where can be a real place like the city of New York, or... read full definition
Setting is where and when a story or scene takes place. The where can be a real place like the... read full definition

Key Examples in The Birds

Setting
Explanation and Analysis:

“The Birds” is set along the coast of England in a small, quiet town. The main character, Nat, works as a farmhand. A quiet and contemplative person, he likes to observe nature and the habits of the birds as the seasons change. This calm country setting is juxtaposed with busy city life, namely in London. London is considered a more important place, as the center of government and capital, but Nat, who works with the land, notices the birds' strange behavior before the radio comments on it. In contrast to life in the city, Nat and his family live relatively far from other people. This means they are less of a target when disaster strikes, but also that they are farther from resources like groceries.