Prompt- 5

In How to Read like a Literature Professor, Thomas C Foster states that weather is more than just rain, snow, sun, or thunderstorm. He clarifies that yes it is a part of the setting but there is more to weather then just that. It gives the story an atmosphere or a mood to it by describing the weather. The weather is used as a “plot device” along with “atmospherics”. For example, rain can be looked at as just rain but if you think about it it can have mystery or misery. Seasons are also used in a range of storytelling. “Happiness and Dissatisfaction have their seasons.” Winter is known to be cold and bitter whereas Summer is joyful and happy. Rain can also give the sense of cleanliness and rebirth. When rain is mixed with sun it creates rainbows which can mean good luck or happiness. Rain has multiple meanings that describes more that just the setting. In Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook, Noah and Allie romantically kiss in the rain in remembrance of their love they once had. Rain gave the scene an idea of the love and sensuality that was between them.

Weather brings an emotional aspect to the characters as well. In Grapes of Wrath when Joad is walking down the street and the author is explaining the hot burning sun and heat along with the blankets of dust covered the land. It gives the readers more explanation of the what is happening in the story. Not only does the weather bring emotion, but you are also able to imagine it in your head of what the characters are going through. Seasons and weather can be used to describe a person as well. “She’s all spring and sunshine; He’s all frosty stiffness.” In my opinion weather is much more than part of a setting. It gives the emotion of the character along with the way one character can feel too.