Have you ever finished a book and felt… something? A shiver down your spine, a warmth in your heart, a sense of unease? That feeling isn’t accidental. Skilled authors carefully craft a specific mood in their writing, and understanding how they do it can significantly enhance your appreciation of literature. This guide will explore the literary device of mood, explaining what it is, how it is created, and how to recognize it in the texts you read.
What is Mood in Literature?
Mood refers to the overall feeling or atmosphere that a writer creates for the reader. It is the emotional response the reader experiences while reading a piece of writing. Think of it as the emotional climate of the story. Unlike tone, which expresses the author’s attitude, mood evokes an emotional response in the reader. It’s about how the writing makes you feel, not what the author thinks.
Simple Examples of Mood
Here are a few quick examples to illustrate the concept:
- A story about a dark, stormy night with a creaking old house immediately creates a mood of suspense or fear.
- A description of a sunny meadow filled with wildflowers evokes a mood of peace and tranquility.
- A narrative detailing a joyful wedding celebration establishes a mood of happiness and celebration.
How is Mood Created?
Authors use a variety of literary devices to create mood. Here are some of the most common:
Setting
The time and place where a story takes place play a huge role in setting the mood. A remote, decaying castle will create a different mood than a bustling city park.
Example: Consider these two setting descriptions:
- “The forest was dense and dark, the trees twisting like skeletal fingers against the grey sky. A thick fog clung to the ground, muffling all sound.” This creates a mood of mystery and foreboding.
- “The beach sparkled under the warm sun. Gentle waves lapped against the golden sand, and the air smelled of salt and sea breeze.” This evokes a mood of peace and relaxation.
Imagery
Imagery is the use of vivid language to create sensory experiences for the reader. By appealing to sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch, authors can powerfully influence the mood.
Example:
“The old house groaned under the weight of the storm. Rain lashed against the windows like angry fists, and the wind howled a mournful tune.” This imagery uses auditory and visual details to create a mood of fear and isolation. Compare it to:
“Sunlight streamed through the open window, warming the dust motes dancing in the air. The scent of lavender and chamomile filled the room, creating a sense of calm.” This uses olfactory and visual imagery to establish a mood of tranquility and serenity.
Word Choice (Diction)
The words an author chooses have a significant impact on the mood. Words with strong emotional connotations can instantly shift the atmosphere.
Example:
Compare these sentences:
- “The man walked slowly down the street.” – Neutral, unremarkable.
- “The man trudged wearily down the street.” – Conveys a sense of exhaustion and despair, establishing a mood of sadness.
- “The man strode confidently down the street.” – Creates a mood of determination and power.
Figurative Language
Similes, metaphors, and personification can all contribute to the mood. These devices add depth and emotional resonance to the writing.
Example:
“The silence was a heavy blanket, smothering all sound.” This metaphor creates a mood of oppression and unease. Compare it to:
“Laughter danced through the air like golden butterflies.” This simile creates a mood of joy and lightness.
In-Depth Examples of Mood in Literature
Let’s look at how mood is created in passages from well-known works:
Example 1: Edgar Allan Poe – “The Fall of the House of Usher”
“During the whole of a dull, dark, and soundless day I had been passing alone, on horseback, through a singularly dreary tract of country; and at length, as evening drew on, found myself, amidst an assemblage of grim, decaying trees, approaching a mansion of considerable size.”
Analysis: Poe immediately establishes a mood of gloom and foreboding through his description of the setting (“dull, dark, and soundless,” “grim, decaying trees”). The word choice (“decaying,” “grim”) contributes to the sense of dread and anticipation of something unsettling.
Example 2: Charlotte Brontë – “Jane Eyre”
“There was a striking contrast between the bleakness of the landscape and the cheerful warmth of the fire within. The wind howled outside, but inside, a sense of peace and security prevailed.”
Analysis: Brontë creates a mood of comfort and security contrasted with a sense of isolation and vulnerability. The juxtaposition of the harsh external environment and the cozy interior emphasizes the emotional state of the character and creates a complex atmosphere.
Example 3: F. Scott Fitzgerald – “The Great Gatsby”
“The lights glowed on the water, and the air was filled with the scent of lilies and the sound of jazz. It was a night for dreams, for reckless abandon, for forgetting the weight of the world.”
Analysis: Fitzgerald establishes a mood of glamour, extravagance, and illusion. The vivid imagery (“lights glowed,” “scent of lilies,” “sound of jazz”) creates a sense of excitement and possibility, but also hints at the superficiality and emptiness beneath the surface.
Recognizing Mood in Literature
When analyzing a text, ask yourself these questions:
- What emotions do you feel while reading the passage?
- What details contribute to those emotions?
- How does the author use setting, imagery, word choice, and figurative language to create a specific atmosphere?
- Does the mood change throughout the story, and if so, how?
By paying attention to these elements, you can gain a deeper understanding of the author’s intent and the overall impact of the work.
Understanding mood is a crucial skill for any reader. It allows you to connect with the text on a deeper emotional level and appreciate the artistry of the author. So, the next time you pick up a book, pay attention to the feelings it evokes—you might be surprised by what you discover.