How Settings Reveal Emotions

Settings can do more than describe surroundings. They can also reveal a character’s reaction to that environment. As a writer uses descriptive words in a scene, he can indicate emotions such as love, fear, depression, joy, or indifference. Check out the way in which an author uses setting to reveal emotion, a character’s mood, or his outlook on life.

Same subject with opposite viewpoints

Probably, you know the illustration of the glass. In this example, a pessimist and an optimist view the same object, but each sees it differently. The optimist sees the glass as half full, but the pessimist sees it as half empty.

Examples of emotional reactions in writing

To illustrate my point, I selected two familiar subjects – a sunset and a flower garden. In the first description, positive words paint the scene. Following the positive one, a negative write-up describes the same subject. When you read them, what did you learn about the characters in each viewpoint?

The sunset – positive view

When she gazed at the vibrant colors of the sunset, the sight thrilled her soul. In fact, when the fiery sky bathed the world in brilliant colors, it took her breath away. In this moment of joy, her troubles melted. This impressive show, the highlight of her day, had revived her spirit and warmed her heart.

The sunset – negative view

As he drove into the sunset, he pulled down his visor. Unfortunately, the harsh, glaring brightness hurt his eyes, and the vibrant colors assaulted his brain. The sunset, as a precursor to night, came as a harbinger of darkness to warn him. As he feared, this day would end before he could finish his tasks.

A flower garden – positive view

As she looked, a profusion of flowers tumbled into each other. Their blended colors created a dazzling display that made a feast for her eyes. She smiled when she discovered emerging blossoms which peeked through the glossy green foliage and greeted her. As she bent closer, she noticed dew on the petals that sparkled in the sunlight like precious gems. Filled with joy, she sniffed the same sweet fragrance that lured hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies to this charming spot.

A flower garden – negative view

When weeds crowded the flowers in this over-grown garden, he frowned at the sight. His eyes focused on the faded blooms that lay scattered on the ground. As they drooped on the stems, the dead ones looked like dirty mopheads to him. With added annoyance, he swatted at the insects that flitted back and forth among this wild-looking patch. Certainly, this garden had been crying for help. He sighed when he realized the ton of work that awaited him.

After you read this, can you guess what kind of characters the author describes in each paragraph? Positive words might indicate a person in love, a romantic, or a care-free, happy individual. Equally revealing, negative words may come from a complainer, an individual overwhelmed by life, or a depressed person.

Did each description give you clues to the character’s attitude or personality? What authors do you enjoy reading who use settings to reveal emotions?