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Mood

Definition

Mood refers to the emotional atmosphere created by a literary work. It influences how readers feel while reading and helps establish the tone of the story.

Analogy

Think of mood as the background music playing during a movie scene. Just like music sets the tone for different scenes (e.g., suspenseful, romantic), mood in literature sets up emotions for readers throughout the story.

Related terms

Tone: The author's attitude towards their subject matter conveyed through their writing style.

Foreshadowing: Hints or clues given by an author about future events in a story, creating anticipation and affecting the overall mood.

Diction: The choice of words used by an author to convey meaning, evoke certain emotions, or set a particular tone.

"Mood" appears in:

Subjects (1)

Practice Questions (4)

  • How does the setting contribute to the mood of a work?
  • What mood does the setting of the moors in Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights convey?
  • How does the pacing of a narrative contribute to the overall mood and tone?
  • Why is it important to consider shifts in the tone and mood of the narrative when analyzing pacing?


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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.