Setting
Indhold
Time setting
The time setting of “The Happiest Days of Your Life” by Penelope Lively is most likely either contemporary to the time of publishing (1978) or set within a couple of decades preceding 1978. This is suggested, for example, by Charles’ enrolment into the Lower Third class (p. 58, ll. 4-5), which corresponds to the way preparatory schools were traditionally organised in the UK in the 20th century.
The time setting is relevant in the sense that it may explain why Charles’ parents seem so distant towards him and think that sending a young child to boarding school is completely without problems.
Physical setting
The story is set in the UK, in Sussex, at St Edwards Preparatory School and in the Manders’ car. Many elements of the physical surroundings h...
