Here's a breakdown of the key features of the setting:
* The House: The house is vast and filled with antiques and eccentricities, reflecting the unusual personalities of the Applewhite family.
* The Island: The island is described as having "a strange quality, like a place you could never escape from". This reinforces the theme of isolation and the characters' need to confront their own inner turmoil.
* The Atmosphere: The setting is both whimsical and unsettling, with elements of magic and mystery interwoven into the ordinary.
The setting plays a significant role in the story by:
* Creating a sense of mystery and intrigue: The isolated island and strange house add an element of suspense.
* Providing a unique environment for the characters to grow: The Applewhite family's unconventional way of life challenges the protagonist, Jake, to confront his own fears and prejudices.
* Symbolism: The island represents isolation and the need for self-discovery, while the house symbolizes the complexities of family and the search for belonging.
Overall, the setting of "Surviving the Applewhites" is both enchanting and unsettling, contributing to the overall tone and themes of the story.