The Setting

The setting for a controversy is extremely important, as it sets some of the context of the story, as well as provides important details that are important in the story. Below I will describe and analyze the setting of Brittany Maynard's story.

Portland, OR

Brittany Maynard's new home is unsettled. Perhaps there are still boxes out. This was a recent move after all. The rainy, cold weather of a Pacific Northwest fall is unfamiliar to her, a California native. She loves to walk her dog with her husband on the rain-slicked streets. The leaves are starting to turn colors. They see people bundled up in raincoats, it's different than her hometown. The change in scenery is not the only thing that is unfamiliar. The smell is both earthy and industrial. they live in the suburbs, so the industrial smell only comes when the breeze is in the right direction. 

October comes and goes. One clear, cold November morning, Brittany has her final seizure. It's a beautiful fall day and Brittany knows that it's time. She thinks about sitting in a sterile hospital room, but doesn't need to entertain that thought anymore.

She is in bed. It is warm inside, even though it's brisk and cold outside. A breeze moves the tree leaves outside of her windows. Several of them fall to the ground. Perhaps she thinks about how she'll never have to rake again. The sun might be shining for the first time in a few days. Her husband, her mother, and a close friend are all with her. The room is warm and full of comfort. It's the exact opposite of what a hospital room would be. It is peaceful and serene inside, where Brittany chose to die. 

Unsplash. "Portland, Oregon, Tourism, Pacific Northwest, USA" 07/04/2015 via Pixabay. Public Domain license.