Location! Location! Location!

697 Words3 Pages
Location! Location! Location! Setting is one of the most crucial literary terms to know. By recognizing the location and time the story takes places, as well as the historical context of the setting, the reader is able to make connections as to why the characters and society act a certain way; as well as understanding the theme. In Chitra Divakaruni’s Clothes, wardrobe, actions, and beliefs are affected by the setting. The story begins in India during the early 1990s. Because one of the settings is in India, it is important to understand the historical context. In the 1990s as well as today, an arranged marriage is a common practice. In an arranged marriage, the potential bride and groom have the chance to meet each other and decide if the relationship is something they want to commit to before getting married. A common disbelief is that an arranged marriage is a forced marriage. However, as stated before, the potential bride and groom can choose if they want to get married. Another important fact about India during this time is that women are supposed to be very modest and concealed from men. As a result, women wear something called a sari; a long piece of cloth wrapped around the body without sticking to the skin. A major factor of Indian culture is the wives’ rights. After Indian women get married, most of their time is spent taking care of the husband and his family and has to do whatever he wishes. As the title of the story gives the reader an idea about clothes, the protagonist’s wardrobe is greatly affected by the setting. Sumita has lived in India her whole life so as a result she constantly is wearing a sari. Sumita makes references to saris multiple times throughout the story. For example, the sari she wears to her wedding is a pale pink, the sari she wears on the plane ride is a midnight-blue with red trim, and the sari she wears her first night
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