What are the best quotes to describe setting in fiction?

Answer 1

In 'Pride and Prejudice', Austen writes 'It was a large, handsome, stone building, standing well on rising ground, and backed by a ridge of high woody hills; - and in front, a stream of some natural importance was swelled into greater, but without any artificial appearance, by the waters from the different springs in the neighbourhood.' This quote effectively describes the grandeur and natural beauty of Mr. Darcy's estate. 'The Scarlet Letter' has the description 'The grass - plot before the jail, in Prison Lane, on a certain summer morning, not less than two centuries ago, was occupied by a pretty large number of the inhabitants of Boston; all with their eyes intently fastened on the iron - clamped oaken door.' This sets the somber and public setting of the jail area. Also, from 'Frankenstein', 'It was on a dreary night of November that I beheld the accomplishment of my toils. With an anxiety that almost amounted to agony, I collected the instruments of life around me, that I might infuse a spark of being into the lifeless thing that lay at my feet. The rain pattered dismally against the panes, and my candle was nearly burnt out, when, by the glimmer of the half - extinguished light, I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature open.' This quote creates a spooky and isolated laboratory setting.