What is Mood?
In short, mood is the emotional response a piece of writing evokes within a reader. It is created using diction, descriptive language, imagery, and other literary techniques. Mood can set the tone of a text by creating a sense of suspense, fear, joy, sadness, or any other range of emotion.
How to pronounce Mood?
When and How Do Writers Use Mood??
Writers use mood almost every time they pick up their pen or keyboard. Without mood, a story falls flat, sounding dull, lifeless, and monotone. To create mood and elicit the desired emotional response, writers must choose their words carefully and selectively. The mood of a text is the culmination of five key literary elements: diction, setting, imagery, tone, and theme.
What are the 5 Key Elements of Mood?
Mood is the culmination of five literary elements. Should even one of these elements fail, the mood of a story, narrative, or poem can become unclear, leaving the reader confused and unsure. Review these elements carefully and make sure you have a clear idea of what each means.
- Diction – This is perhaps the most vital element in establishing the mood of a text. Diction is the linguistic choices a writer makes: word choice, style, dialect, slang, choosing one word in place of another, etc. Example: If a writer wants to create a light-hearted, playful mood, they wouldn’t describe the weather as “dark and dreary.” Rather, they might say something like, “It was bright and sunny with leaves dancing in the light breeze.”
- Setting – Setting refers to the specific time and place a story takes place. Setting is vital to a story and has a significant impact on the mood of a piece. If a story’s characters live in 17th century France and it’s Carnival season, this is the setting, and it should be described in detail using vivid descriptive words and imagery.
- Imagery – The image created in a reader’s mind through the use of descriptive language. Imagery is an appeal to the reader’s senses – sight, sound, taste, taste, and smell. Imagery is vital to the establishment of setting as it aids the reader in visualizing the time and place of the story. It also helps the writer create an emotional connection with the reader and if used effectively, can transport a reader to the exact time and place the writer is describing. Imagery is inclusive and establishes an emotional connection with the reader.
- Tone – Tone is often confused with mood, but they are very different. Tone cannot be used as a synonym for mood. Tone is the attitude or feeling established in a text through a writer’s diction and character dialogue (if applicable). Tone is more about the writer’s attitude toward what is being described than how they feel about it. For example, if a writer wants the tone of a text to be suspenseful, they might hint at something without directly saying or omit key words and explanations.
- Theme – The central, unifying idea of a text. This can be conveyed directly or indirectly with the aid of metaphor, symbolism, and other figurative language. Theme maintains a close, special relationship with mood as they are often dependent on one another. For example, if the theme of a poem is suicide, the mood might be dark, sad, and lonely.
Mood in Children’s Literature 🧸
Rarely is the mood of a children’s book going to be somber or ominous. While most children’s books try to maintain a premise of teaching, they are typically fun and light-hearted as evidenced from this excerpt from The Cat and the Hat by Dr. Seuss.
and then something went BUMP!
how that bump made us jump!
we looked!
then we saw him step in on the mat!
we looked!
and we saw him!
the cat in the hat!
and he said to us,
‘why do you sit there like that?’
‘i know it is wet
and the sun is not sunny.
but we can have
lots of good fun that is funny!’
‘i know some good games we could play,’
said the cat.
‘i know some new tricks,’
said the cat in the hat.
‘a lot of good tricks.
i will show them to you.
your mother will not mind at all if i do.’
Mood in Literature and Poetry ✍🏽
Sometimes, the mood of a text may be carefully disguised or mistaken for what it really is. One such example is that of Charles Dickens’, Oliver Twist:
Occasionally, when there was some more than usually interesting inquest upon a parish child who had been overlooked in turning up a bedstead, or inadvertently scalded to death when there happened to be a washing-though the latter accident was very scarce, anything approaching to a washing being of rare occurrence in the farm-the jury would take it into their heads to ask troublesome questions, or the parishioners would rebelliously affix their signatures to a remonstrance. But these impertinences were speedily checked by the evidence of the surgeon, and the testimony of the beadle; the former of whom had always opened the body and found nothing inside (which was very probable indeed), and the latter of whom invariably swore whatever the parish wanted; which was very self-devotional.
At first glance, the passage appears to be nothing more than a very straight-forward account of the day-to-day goings on. But a closer reading reveals the dark truth: children are being horribly neglected and killed at the workhouse creating a darker, more ominous mood.
When examining mood in poetry, the many different ways in which mood can be portrayed becomes quite a daunting list. So instead, we’ll look at a poem by Maya Angelou.
From “I Rise,”
“You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may tread me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.”
In this passage, Angelou’s words appear to be filled with anger, but a closer look shows the speaker’s hope and defiance, an indomitable and indefatigable spirit.
For a Deeper Understanding of Mood in Writing . . .
When trying to navigate the world of literary terms and devices to improve your writing, the task can sometimes seem daunting. As illustrated above, many literary tools are so closely related and similar in explanation, it can be confusing trying to make sense of it all and use them correctly. So, for a better understanding of mood, please watch this video.
Frequent FAQs 👥
Aren’t mood and tone the same thing?
While frequently mistaken for mood, tone is its own literary device, and the two cannot be used synonymously. Tone is the attitude established by the writer through their word choice and diction; mood is the emotional response a text evokes within the reader.
Are mood and theme the same thing?
While closely dependent on each other, mood and theme are not the same thing. Theme, which is the central, unifying idea of a text, is an element of mood. Mood, while influenced by theme, is the emotional response a reader feels in relation to a piece of writing.
FAQ 🤔
What is mood in literature?
Mood refers to the atmosphere or emotional setting created by a piece of writing, which evokes specific feelings in the reader. Through the use of descriptive language, imagery, and other literary devices, authors can craft the mood to complement the themes, settings, and narratives of their works.
How does mood affect a reader’s experience?
Mood significantly impacts a reader’s emotional experience and engagement with a text. By establishing a specific mood, authors can guide readers’ reactions and emotions, making the narrative more immersive. The mood can heighten tension, enhance a sense of mystery, or provide relief, influencing how readers perceive and interact with the story.
Can mood change throughout a work of literature?
Yes, the mood can change throughout a work of literature. Authors may shift the mood to reflect changes in the storyline, character development, or to highlight contrasts between different scenes or themes. These shifts can help to maintain interest and build emotional complexity within the narrative.
Why do authors use mood?
Authors use mood as a tool to influence readers’ feelings and create a particular emotional atmosphere that aligns with the narrative or thematic elements of their work. By carefully crafting the mood, authors can enhance storytelling, deepen emotional impact, and enrich the reader’s overall experience of the literary piece.
How can I identify the mood of a literary work?
To identify the mood of a literary work, pay attention to the setting, word choice, imagery, and the types of emotions these elements evoke. Consider how the descriptions, actions, and dialogue affect your emotional response as a reader. The mood is often conveyed through the cumulative effect of the author’s use of language and the context of the narrative.