Setting

Physical setting

The physical setting of “Happy Endings” by Margaret Atwood is mentioned only once, in option F. The events are supposed to take place in Canada (p. 72, l. 19), which is Atwood’s home country, and which serves to remind the readers they are dealing with a piece of metafiction. Through the mention of elements such as “real estate” (p. 71, l. 3), motorcycles (p. 71, l. 28), and record collections (p. 71, l. 28), the time setting is supposed to be contemporary to when the story was written. However, the story also has a timeless feel, which serves to point out that it deals with a universal truth.

An important element of the physical setting, which is repeated in more than one scenario, is the house. In option A, the house belongs to John and Marry, and it is a source of happiness to them. The house is described as “charming” both in option A (p. 70, l. 3), as well as in option ...