"The Man to Send Rain Clouds" by Leslie Marmon Silko
LITERARY ANALYSIS: SETTING
A story's setting is the time, place, and culture in which the story unfolds. Setting
is often an important element of a story, influencing he ideas and actions of characters
and shaping events. In "The Man to Send Rain Clouds," setting plays a particularly
important role. Think about how the specific details of setting are directly related to
events that occur in the story.
Directions: As you read the story, concentrate on the specific details about setting that
each author provides. List some of the details, and then describe why they are important
to the story.
Details of characters' physical surroundings:
cottonwood tree
desert and dry
sheep
frozen ground
sandy soil
chilly
hilly landscape
grassy
Details that reflect the era in which the story takes place:
Levi's Jeans, pickup, black iron stove, pueblos, priest, coffee but no coffee
maker, pots, dishes
present day
Details that reflect the culture of the characters:
pueblos, moccasins, painting on Teofilo's face, Native American rituals (ie.,
sprinkling of water), Last Rites (priest), priestly collar (garb), church mass
Importance of Setting:
The physical surroundings, era, and culture all refer to the main idea of the
story.