Rural settings

Definition

Rural settings refer to areas characterized by open spaces, low population density, and a strong connection to agriculture or nature. These settings often influence the themes, character development, and narrative structures in literature, particularly in the context of the picaresque tradition, where characters navigate through different social classes and environments, often contrasting urban and rural lifestyles.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Rural settings in literature often serve as a backdrop for exploring themes of identity, social class, and the contrasts between civilization and nature.
2. Henry Fielding's works frequently depict rural life as a space of moral ambiguity, allowing characters to engage in both virtuous and dubious behaviors.
3. The depiction of rural settings can highlight the tension between tradition and change, reflecting societal shifts during the time of writing.
4. Rural environments in Fielding's narratives often act as a foil to urban settings, illustrating the complexities of human behavior in different contexts.
5. Fielding uses rural landscapes to create vivid imagery that enhances character development and plot progression throughout his stories.

Review Questions

• How do rural settings contribute to character development in the picaresque tradition?
  • In the picaresque tradition, rural settings provide characters with unique challenges and opportunities for growth. As they navigate through these landscapes, characters often confront societal norms and their own moral dilemmas. The contrast between rural simplicity and urban complexity allows for deeper exploration of themes like identity and social class, ultimately shaping the protagonist's journey and development.
• Discuss the significance of rural settings in Henry Fielding's portrayal of society and human behavior.
  • Henry Fielding utilizes rural settings to reflect the moral complexities of human behavior and society. By placing his characters in these environments, he explores the duality of human nature—how individuals can display both virtue and vice. The rural backdrop allows Fielding to critique social structures while showcasing the influence of environment on character actions and decisions.
• Evaluate how Fielding's use of rural settings impacts the overall narrative structure within his works.
  • Fielding's use of rural settings significantly impacts his narrative structure by providing a dynamic backdrop that contrasts with urban life. This interplay enriches the storytelling by allowing for episodic adventures that reveal character traits and societal critiques. The rural landscape often serves as a space for introspection and conflict resolution, ultimately driving the narrative forward while reinforcing key themes related to morality, identity, and class distinctions within his works.

Related terms

Picaresque: A literary genre that follows the adventures of a roguish hero of low social class who lives by their wits in a corrupt society.

Pastoral: A literary work that idealizes rural life and landscapes, emphasizing harmony with nature and simplicity.

Bildungsroman: A coming-of-age story that focuses on the psychological and moral growth of the protagonist from youth to adulthood.