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Setting is one of the most significant elements in a story. The setting goes
far beyond the simple physical attributes and external face value. It seems
\"Eveline\" solely takes place in Dublin in an old room, but the
setting actually plays a key role in the story. The setting in
\"Eveline\" helps the reader to better understand the behavior of the
main character.
The setting in \"Eveline\" is paralyzing, and this helps the reader
to understand why Eveline does not go with Frank to Buenos Aires. In the majority
of the story Eveline \"sat at the window,\" (512) which parallels
with her paralysis because she does not move. Eveline \"was going to go
away like the others\" (512) because she was one of the only people left
in Dublin from her childhood. However, Eveline doesn\'t go since she is trapped
in her setting. Almost nothing in Eveline\'s setting ever changes throughout
her life. The significance of Eveline looking around the room \"reviewing
all its familiar objects\" (512) is that she \"never dreamed of being
divided\" from them. All around her Eveline \"had those she had know
all her life about her\" (512). Eveline is a product of her environment.
The reader can see how the setting never changes, Eveline\'s life molds to it.
This explains the reason for her not going away and starting a much happier
life. It is extremely hard for her to make the decision of whether or not to go
with Frank because she only knows one way. Eveline understands that she has
\"a hard life,\"(513) and she has the chance to go to a place where
\"it would not be like that\" (513). However, it scares Eveline to
change her setting. After thinking about leaving she did not find her present
setting as \"wholly undesirable\" (513) as she previously did. The
latter part of \"Eveline\" is set by the sea. This sea is a symbol of
rejuvenation for Eveline. Much like in \"The Awakening\" by Kate
Chopin, the sea is a way to escape life. \"All the seas of the world
tumble around her heart,\" (515) and Eveline is unable to flee from her
life to go away with Frank. Eveline\'s mind has been subconsciencly designed by
her environment, and she can\'t imagine living life any other way. Eveline is
so confused and doesn\'t know what is holding her back, but something is.
Eveline \"prayed for God to direct her, to show her what was her
duty\" (514). She knows that life would be so much better in Buenos Aires,
\"people would treat her with respect\" (513). However, she feels
that when Frank tries to change her setting that \"he would drown
her\" (515). The reason for her actions and train of thought is that
Eveline is paralyzed in her setting
The setting explains to the reader why Eveline does not leave. It is the same
setting the Eveline has had all her life. She is paralyzed by it; she feels as
if she can\'t move on. If the setting had been different Eveline very well may
have gone away. Therefore, the setting of the short story helps the readers to
better understand why Eveline does not go away with Frank.