Setting

The short story “The Lunar Coast” by Megan McGrath is set in an unnamed village in contemporary times as indicated by the reference to the “four-wheel-drive” (l. 125). Given that the author is Australian and the events take place in a coastal area, it is very likely that the story is set in Australia. This is further indicated by the presence of animals such as wallabies (l. 110) which are almost exclusively found in Australia.

The events span over several years, but the main event (the return and catching of the fish) takes place over a day.

Physical setting

The physical setting is an important narrative element because one of the main themes of the story is man versus nature. The setting of the coastal area is described throughout the plot, at different times, and helps convey the characters’ attitudes towards nature at different ages.

In the beginning of the story we find out that the coast was dangerous but also protected the village from the sea:

It was a treacherous northern stretch of coastline, with rocky headlands and monstrous tides. Each day the moon peeled away the sea, exposing an atlas of silver sand spits that spiralled into the sea. Our coast protected ships and deterred them. (ll. 6-9)

This suggests the idea of nature both as an enemy and as a protector. This is echoed in the story’s plot, as nature both provides the boys with their idyl...