Books Quote by Judith Arnold
““I've set the vast majority of my books in New England because that's where I live. I love this part of the country the gentle hills, the lush forests, the cycles of the seasons, the ocean, the quiet lakes and rivers that spread across the region. And, then of course, there's that Yankee spirit, which is a combination of optimism and responsibility, rugged individualism and a strong sense of community. I consider myself and my characters very lucky to live in New England.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Literary Magazine, 2021
She chooses New England as her setting because its landscape and cultural spirit inspire optimism, responsibility, and community in her stories.
In simple terms: She writes about New England for its nature and the “Yankee spirit” of optimism and community.
Key Takeaway
Use setting to reinforce themes of optimism and community.
Themes
place
regional identity
community
optimism
responsibility
nature
Mood
inspirational
thoughtful
Type
literary
descriptive
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- creative workshops
- travel writing
- teaching literature
Key Concepts
regionalism
environmental influence
cultural identity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does the setting shape your characters’ choices?
- In what ways can you portray both the beauty and challenges of New England?
A Different Perspective
May romanticize the region, ignoring its complexities.
