Setting

The short story “Everyone Talked Loudly in Chinatown” by Anne Jew is set in Canada during the autumn, in an unnamed city. The reference to the movie “The Great Santini” also indicates the year of the events is 1979. The action only spans over two days, but it is mixed with memories of the narrator from her childhood.

Physical setting

The physical setting is comprised of several elements: the autumn atmosphere, the house where the narrator lives, the grandmother’s and Lin’s rooms, the movie theater, and the front porch of the house.

Out of all these elements, the overall atmosphere and the grandmother’s room are the most important. Initially, the atmosphere is very romantic, as Lin walks back from school with Todd: “Lately I have been walking home from school in the sunshine with Todd. It's October and the leaves have turned, though the temper...