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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
Setting
Explanation and Analysis:
“The Killers” is set in Summit, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago) in the 1920s. At the time, Chicago was known as the seat of organized crime, with local criminals like Al Capone gaining notoriety for the illegal distribution of alcohol during the Prohibition. In the story, Max and Al represent the sort of Chicago gangsters that people in suburban Illinois feared coming into their neighborhoods. At one point in the story, the hitmen ask George if he has any alcoholic drinks, hinting that they are very comfortable with publicly breaking the laws of Prohibition. This, combined with the men’s attire and specific speaking style, tip George and Nick off to the fact that they are likely visiting from Chicago and may be dangerous.
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