1. tristan.n

    tristan.n Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2010
    Messages:
    288
    Likes Received:
    30
    Location:
    Overland Park, KS

    Is this setting too confusing?

    Discussion in 'Setting Development' started by tristan.n, Dec 22, 2010.

    Would it be realistic to have a setting that is half technologically advanced and half not so much?
    In big cities, the technology is much more advanced and everything is convenient. In rural areas, the people live with minimal technology, but they know how to take care of themselves.
    Would this be too confusing for readers as my main character goes through both types of settings?
     
  2. Elgaisma

    Elgaisma Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Jun 12, 2010
    Messages:
    5,319
    Likes Received:
    97
    It is a pretty normal scenario happens in real life even in 2010
     
  3. tristan.n

    tristan.n Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2010
    Messages:
    288
    Likes Received:
    30
    Location:
    Overland Park, KS
    Very true; I hadn't thought of that
     
  4. VM80

    VM80 Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2010
    Messages:
    1,209
    Likes Received:
    46
    Nope. Shouldn't be confusing.

    Part of my novel deals with this as well by the way...
     
  5. FrankABlissett

    FrankABlissett Active Member

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2008
    Messages:
    424
    Likes Received:
    24
    Location:
    Sault, Michigan
    Ditto Elgaisma.

    Look at any big city in India, China, Brazil, etc. High rise, modern city surrounded by slums surrounded by rural land.

    Or go to Africa. At risk of generalizing a big, diverse land, there are many, many (most?) people in villages without even an electric water pump. Some will have transistor radios. Yet, there will be a cell tower and the town big-wigs will have cell phones that recharge via solar powered docking stations. Drive a few hours away and you're in a city with bright lights, computer cafes, etc.

    -Frank
     
  6. EdFromNY

    EdFromNY Hope to improve with age Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    Jun 13, 2010
    Messages:
    5,101
    Likes Received:
    3,203
    Location:
    Queens, NY
    The project I'm working on now has exactly that aspect, except the split is not half and half, but more like 5% advanced and 95% not. The contrasts between the two yield many great storytelling opportunities.
     
  7. Donal

    Donal New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2010
    Messages:
    259
    Likes Received:
    5
    Location:
    Limerick, Ireland
    Seems pretty accurate description of many cities today. I spent 3 months in Ghana this year and was based 3 hours away from the captial city, Accra. Big big difference between the rural and urban settings.

    Even children grasp it well enough in The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse. You'll be fine.
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice