1. Venice, Italy:
* The primary setting: The story unfolds primarily in Venice, a city rich in history, beauty, and hidden secrets. The canals, bridges, and narrow streets create a labyrinthine atmosphere that reflects the complexity of the characters' lives.
* A city of contrasts: Venice is portrayed as both a magical and dangerous place. It is a city of opulence and poverty, of beauty and decay, of light and darkness. This duality is reflected in the characters, who are caught between two worlds.
2. The Palace of Mirrors:
* A secret world: The abandoned palace, hidden deep within the Venetian labyrinth, is a key setting. It serves as a refuge for the thief lord, Prosper, and his gang of orphaned children.
* A sanctuary and a trap: The palace is both a sanctuary from the harsh realities of the world and a potential trap, where the children are trapped by their loyalty to Prosper.
* A symbol of illusion: The palace, filled with mirrors and illusions, symbolizes the deceptive nature of Prosper and the children's distorted view of reality.
3. The Real World:
* The children's past: The story also explores the harsh realities of the children's lives outside Venice, which includes poverty, neglect, and abuse. This serves as a stark contrast to the magical world of the palace.
* A constant threat: The children are constantly aware of the dangers of the real world, which forces them to make difficult choices and navigate the complexities of loyalty, trust, and survival.
4. The Historical Setting:
* Ambiguous time period: The story is set in an unspecified time, possibly in the present day, but with elements of historical Venice. This creates a timeless atmosphere and allows Funke to blend fantasy and reality.
* Historical influences: The story draws inspiration from Venetian history, including the city's decline, its cultural richness, and its association with pirates and thieves.
Overall, the setting of "The Thief Lord" is layered and multi-dimensional. It is a place of both beauty and danger, of magic and reality, and of hope and despair. The city of Venice, the Palace of Mirrors, and the children's past experiences all contribute to the story's complex and captivating atmosphere.