"To whom it may concern: It is springtime. It is late afternoon"

The quote "To whom it may issue: It is springtime. It is late afternoon" by Kurt Vonnegut is an easy yet reliable method to set the scene for a story. The author is dealing with an unidentified audience, alleviating them into a moment in time using two quick detailed phrases that reveal the setting and tone of the story. "Springtime" suggests renewal, development, and chance, while "late afternoon" suggests a time of transition and possible modification. Without diving into detail, Vonnegut uses language to develop a sense of environment and state of mind, leaving the reader curious and excited to know what will follow.