Photo by Leah Newhouse
Great picturesque landscapes frame New England, and in each cozy town a rich history writhes underneath.
The distinctiveness of the region’s identity is well-known throughout the United States and, arguably, the rest of the world. From Stephen King to H.P. Lovecraft to Edgar Allan Poe to Ralph Waldo Emerson and now to Pamela Roberts Lee, it has been the backdrop for countless unforgettable stories in both text and film and television. You, dear reader, might have even seen New England without really knowing it’s New England.
Why the Northeast Is a Good Setting
Yet, while these stories have enduring appeal, the region is still quite underrepresented in mainstream media. As such, in this article, we will be talking about what makes New England the home of many narratives and stories.
New England Charm: The Richness of History
The northeastern seaboard of the United States of America has been host to many momentous and significant events in the nation’s history, from the landing of the pilgrims in Plymouth to the Boston Tea Party that sparked a great revolution. It can be confidently said that without the presence of the patriots and thinkers of New England, the United States might be completely different. This makes New England a treasure trove of historical material to draw from, whether one writes a period piece set during the Puritan era (as The Darkness at Dawn does) or even a contemporary drama where the lingering effects of the past and the injustices buried within its folds are explored, or maybe an urban fantasy, where the folklore of the region springs to life and interacts with the modern world.
Photo by Alex Hill
New England Charm: Geography and Physicality
Aside from the rich history that permeates the region and among its people, New England is equally prosperous in its natural offerings. From the rugged, winding coastline of Maine to the green and rolling hills of Vermont to the ancient oak forests that have stood in the region since before the settlers and the natives even came, the region is absolutely teeming with topographic diversity with stunning landscapes that inspired and captivated the old patriots and, to this day, continue to inspire and captivate the modern world.
Its geographic location also makes the region a visually marvelous sight all throughout the year, the changing seasons creating a simple yet indelibly gorgeous interplay of colors and moods–the vibrant colors of cool autumn, the crisp air of old winter, the soothing breath of warm spring and the bone-deep lushness that comes with summer. This makes New England a very dynamic setting for all kinds of stories.
New England Charm: The Personality of Its People
While leaning into stereotypes might be a bad idea, they exist for a reason. And the reputation that New Englanders have is well-earned. Throughout the history of the Colonial United States up until the present, the region has been home to strong and independent characters, both fictional and historical. Witty, resourceful, and loyal to a fault, it’s no wonder that the American Revolution began here, spreading southward to the other colonies and forever changing the world. The sterling character that the region carves into its people has only expanded and evolved, becoming more and more varied as time passes. This multifariousness allows authors to create deeply complex and relatable figures that would not seem out of place outside the pages of a book.
Photo by Marta Wave
The Freshness of the Northeast
This may sound contradictory, but the long continuity that the region holds and still keeps until today makes it a wonderful and contemporary source for freshness. The historical depth of the region and the dynamism that persists within it makes for a marvelous brew. This is the reason why although New England has been the site for many stories, there still remains ample room for new narratives to take hold. You can walk every mile of the region, but you won’t see the profound depth of it all.
The Darkness at Dawn by Pamela Roberts Lee is a powerful exploration of faith and doubt set against the backdrop of 17th century Puritan New England. Peopled with historical characters and rendered in richly detailed prose, The Darkness at Dawn is a great example of New England charm.
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