What does the term 'setting' primarily involve in literature?

The term 'setting' in literature primarily involves the physical location and time period where the story unfolds. This encompasses not just the geographical landscape, such as a city, country, or specific environment, but also the temporal context, including the historical period or specific time of day that influences the narrative. The setting plays a crucial role in establishing the mood, supporting the plot, and shaping characters' experiences and interactions within the story.

While the main conflict, characters' backgrounds, and moral lessons are significant elements of literary analysis, they do not define the setting. The setting provides the framework within which these other elements operate, making it essential for understanding the overall context and atmosphere of the narrative.