Chapter 19: "Geography Matters"

Geography in literature is much more than hills, and mountains. It deals with symbolism, theme, and plot, it also leads to crucial development of characters. The first novel that deals with geography influencing the plot would be To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Geography, in this case, is set to move the plot. Having this classic novel that deals with racism and how to treat people the way you want to be treated moves the plot along. Since the novel is set in the 1930's, racism was still very prevalent in the United States. This form of geography continues to move the plot because the constant hop that someone will stand up in Tom Robinson's defense for what is right rather that based on the color of his skin keeps this book a page-turner.

Another aspect of geography that leads to the development of characters comes form The Great Gatsby. The geography in this work of literature is set in the elaborate backdrop of the 1920's. This is reflected in the grandiose of the houses that Jay and Tom both have to show their money off to gain the love of one flowery girl. Throughout the book we see the development of characters through money and the setting of time. The time of which they are in effect all of their personalities. The money throwing, heavy partying, drinking galore of the 20's leads to the change of characters in the book.

The third aspect of geography deals with characters causing mayhem. Foster says "when characters go down south they tend to run amok". This is evident in Harry Potter. Granted they don't actually travel south but they do travel to a new environment where they are not accustomed to it and cause mayhem along the way. The mayhem may not be intentional but it tends to follow them wherever they go at Hogwarts.

The fourth aspect of geography can actually be just plain geography, an example of this can be found in East of Eden by John Steinbeck. The book begins with the very detailed description of the valley, pulling you in as if you were a part of all the memories that were shared there. This draws you in immediately, setting you up for how important this valley is and how it means more than a valley but a symbol for an overall bigger picture.