Authors: Ivy Grace Anto, Hazel Mae Crausos, Febreyl Dinawanao, Rovy M. Banguis
Department of English, College of Arts and Sciences, Mindanao State University – Buug Campus, Buug, Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines
Email: rovy.banguis@msubuug.edu.ph
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to analyze the influence of setting to the characters of the Selected Philippine Short Stories which include : My Father
Goes to Court by Carlos Bulosan, Rice and Bullets by Hernando Ocampo, Summer Solstice by Nick Joaquin, Wedding Dance by Amador Daguio,
Footnote to Youth by Jose Garcia Villa, How My Brother Leon Brought Home A Wife by Manuel Arguilla, My Father’s Tragedy by F. Sionil Jose,
May Day Eve by Nick Joaquin, God Stealer by F. Sionil Jose, Midsummer by Manuel Arguilla, Visitation of the Gods by Gilda Cordero, The Riddle
by F. Sionil Jose). From the findings of the study, the researchers have reached the conclusion that the twelve short stories have used two types of
setting: geographical setting, chronological/time setting. In each story, the influences of the setting are being shown through their behavior, belief,
way of dressing, actions, the description of their surroundings, and even their culture. The findings of the study have some significant implications to
the readers, both teacher and students. Setting plays an important role in fiction, especially in short stories as they usually focus less on plots and
more on the characters. Whether it is geographical, chronological setting, the readers need to have a deeper understanding and analysis of how setting
influences the characters of the story and how a change in setting also changes the characters. This implies that readers need to dive deeper into the
stories to find these influences so they can better understand and comprehend the story. Based on the findings and conclusions, the researchers are
able to draw the following recommendations: The readers of literature should value the role played by the setting in developing the characters and
even the story. Students should take into account the influences of the setting when reading the story, how it affects the characters and other elements
of fiction. The teacher should create emphasis on how the setting contributes to the creation of the story.
Keywords: Setting, characters, short stories