Setting
The Mysterious Affair at Styles
by Agatha Christie

The Mysterious Affair at Styles: 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
Chapter 1: I Go to Styles
Explanation and Analysis:

The Mysterious Affair at Styles is set in a fictional picturesque countryside town: Styles St. Mary in Essex, England. As Hastings arrives in the town in Chapter 1, his narration crafts a vibrant image of the quaint community:

The village of Styles St. Mary was situated about two miles from the little station, and Styles Court lay a mile the other side of it. It was a still, warm day in early July. As one looked out over the flat Essex country, lying so green and peaceful under the afternoon sun, it seemed almost impossible to believe that, not so very far away, a great war was running its appointed course. I felt I had suddenly strayed into another world.

Chapter 12: The Last Link