The setting

The events in the story take place at the Mrs. Parker’s house, a lady of noble manners who rents her rooms.  The rooms in her house are divided according to the price. The cheaper they are – the higher the floor is. A young woman, Miss Leeson, came to Mrs. Parker in an attempt to get a room. As she was very poor she was given the smallest room in the whole house. It was in the attic, poorly furnished and with only one narrow window in the roof. In spite of the poor conditions Miss Leeson moved in.  The atmosphere of the room shows to the reader the character’s feelings. It is dull, dark and empty as well as Miss Leeson’s life is tough and lonely. But there is a window in the room, though small, still the stars are seen through it. They are like symbols of hope for her, hope for the better future, for the better life, close or distant but apparently real.