What literary technique describes the structure of chapter 1 in Silas Marner?

Chapter 1 of *Silas Marner* uses several literary techniques to establish its setting and characters, but the most prominent one is setting the scene.

Here's why:

* Descriptive Language: The chapter is rich in detail, painting a vivid picture of the rural English village of Raveloe. From the "red-tiled roofs" to the "sun-baked brick" of the houses, the chapter immerses the reader in the environment.

* Focus on Atmosphere: The descriptions emphasize the village's quiet, isolated, and almost time-stopped quality. This foreshadows the novel's themes of isolation, community, and the cyclical nature of life.

* Introduction of Characters: While the chapter doesn't go into great detail about individual characters, it introduces the general inhabitants of Raveloe and hints at their social dynamics. For example, the mention of "gossip" and "intimacy" foreshadows the gossip-driven society and the limited social opportunities.

While other literary techniques might be present, like foreshadowing (hints about future events), irony (the contrast between the idyllic setting and the later events), and symbolism (the significance of the spinning wheel), the primary focus of chapter 1 is to set the stage for the story, making "setting the scene" the most prominent technique.