Definition of Mood

As a literary device, mood refers to the emotional response that the writer wishes to evoke in the reader through a story . This response can range anywhere from feelings of calm, fear, anger, or joy depending on the literary work. In general, short stories and poems feature a consistent mood due to their length. Novels can feature more than one mood, although readers will typically identify an overall emotional response to the work as a whole. Mood allows a writer to create a memorable and meaningful story with which the reader can connect. In addition, writers reveal their artistic use of language and creative skills when establishing the mood of a literary work.

For example, in her novel about the relationships between mothers and daughters, Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club  utilizes mood as a literary device to evoke emotions in the reader as a parallel for the way the mother characters attempt to emotionally connect with their daughters.

It’s not that we had no heart or eyes for pain. We were all afraid. We all had our miseries. But to despair was to wish for something already lost. Or to prolong what was already unbearable…What was worse, to sit and wait for our own deaths with proper somber faces? Or to choose our own happiness?

In this passage, though the subject matter centers around pain, despair, and loss, the mood of the narrative is hopeful. Tan intentionally establishes this mood to evoke hope in readers in the same way that the mothers in the novel wish to inspire and evoke hope in their daughters.

Common Examples of Adjectives to Describe Mood

As a literary device, mood represents the emotional quality of a story that is created through the writer’s use of language. Mood can be evoked through description of events in a story, its setting , reactions among characters, and even through the story’s outcome or resolution of the conflict .

Here are some common examples of adjectives to describe mood:

  • sentimental

Examples of How Writers Establish Mood

Mood is an essential literary device to bring cohesion to a story and create an emotional response in readers. This response allows readers to experience emotion and connection within a story, making the literary work more meaningful and memorable. When writers establish mood, it should be consistent with the literary work so that the mood is not disjointed from the story yet remains emotionally accessible and resonant for readers. Though it may seem difficult to achieve mood in a story without being too overt or too subtle for readers, writers can rely on four techniques to craft this literary device.

Here are some examples of how writers establish mood:

A story’s setting refers to its “physical” location and time frame in which it takes place. Setting can have a distinct impact on the mood of a story. For example, if a story is set in an idyllic pasture on a sunny day, readers will be inclined to expect a happy mood. In turn, if a story is set in a futuristic dystopia , readers may expect a mood of tension or hopelessness.

Though tone and mood appear similar, they are distinct. Mood indicates the emotions evoked in the reader by the story. Tone refers to the narrator ’s attitude toward the events taking place in the story, which can also evoke emotion in a reader. The tone of a narrator can contribute to a story’s mood by enhancing the reader’s emotional response.

Choice of Words

Word choice in a story is key to establishing its mood. This includes the way words “sound” to a reader, perhaps harsh or loving, and the use of connotative meanings of words. For example, if a writer states that a family returned to their house, the implied meaning is that the family has come back to the structure in which they live. If, instead, a writer states that a family has returned to their home, the implied meaning is that the family has come back to a place of comfort and belonging. A writer’s choice of words is significant in establishing a story’s mood by evoking emotional responses in readers.

Subject Matter

The subject matter of a story can also help establish its mood. For example, a story about war is likely to feature a sad mood, whereas a story about romantic love is likely to feature a happy mood.

Difference Between Mood and Atmosphere

Though mood and atmosphere can seem interchangeable as literary devices , they are distinguishable. Essentially, mood is a literary device that is created directly by the writer to evoke an emotion in the reader. Atmosphere is a general feeling or sensation generated by the environment of a scene in a literary work. Atmosphere is a feeling imposed on the reader rather than an emotion evoked in a reader. For example, the atmosphere of a very dramatic scene in literature may be described as restrictive. However, “restrictive” is not applicable in describing the mood and emotion of the reader in response to the scene. Instead, restrictive applies to the atmospheric feeling of the environment created in the scene, not the mood.

Examples of Mood in Literature

Establishing mood in a story, poem , novel, or other fictional work is an essential literary device. Mood engages the reader with the narrative and helps them understand many aspects of a story on an emotional level. This allows the reader to make further connections with the literary work as the writer is able to express deeper meaning.

Here are some examples of mood in well-known literature:

Example 1:  Eurydice (H.D.)

So you have swept me back, I who could have walked with the live souls above the earth, I who could have slept among the live flowers at last; so for your arrogance and your ruthlessness I am swept back where dead lichens drip dead cinders upon moss of ash; so for your arrogance I am broken at last, I who had lived unconscious, who was almost forgot;

In her poem, H.D. gives Eurydice (a nymph in Greek mythology, daughter of Apollo, and wife of Orpheus) a voice to express her anger and resentment at her fate. Orpheus has the chance to rescue Eurydice from the Underworld and bring her back to life on Earth, under the condition that he not look back at her until both of them are touched by daylight. Unfortunately, Orpheus looks back at Eurydice as soon as he reaches the surface, not waiting for her to do the same, and she is banished once again to the Underworld forever.

The mood of the poem that H.D. establishes for the reader on the part of Eurydice is anger and resentment at Orpheus for his actions in determining her fate. This is clear through her choice of words such as “arrogance,” “ruthlessness,” and “broken.” However, there is an overarching mood of anguish in the poem as well that evokes the same feeling for readers. This anguish is a result of the “promise” of being brought back to life on Earth and all its beauty for Eurydice. She is in as much pain for the reawakening of hope in her at the thought of being among the living, and the anguished mood of the poem evokes these emotions in the reader as well.

Example 2:  And Then There Were None  (Agatha Christie)

The others went upstairs, a slow unwilling procession. If this had been an old house, with creaking wood, and dark shadows, and heavily panelled walls, there might have been an eerie feeling. But this house was the essence of modernity. There were no dark corners – no possible sliding panels – it was flooded with electric light – everything was new and bright and shining. There was nothing hidden in this house, nothing concealed. It had no atmosphere about it. Somehow, that was the most frightening thing of all. They exchanged good- nights on the upper landing. Each of them went into his or her own room, and each of them automatically, almost without conscious thought, locked the door….

In her well-known novel, Christie makes an interesting and clear delineation between mood and atmosphere in a narrative. The atmosphere of the house where the group is staying is modern, new, and open, and therefore emanates what should be a non-threatening feeling to the characters and readers as well. However, in describing the behavior of the characters in this “non-threatening” setting, the mood of the story becomes ominous and foreboding. Therefore, Christie utilizes mood as a literary device to evoke feelings in the reader of nervousness and fear even though the atmosphere of the setting does not appear frightening. This makes for an engaging and memorable reading experience.

Example 3:  The Old Man and the Sea  (Ernest Hemingway)

He looked across the sea and knew how alone he was now . But he could see the prisms in the deep dark water and the line stretching ahead and the strange undulation of the calm. The clouds were building up now for the trade wind and he looked ahead and saw a flight of wild ducks etching themselves against the sky over the water, then blurring, then etching again and he knew no man was ever alone on the sea .

In his well-known novel, Hemingway portrays a character (the old man) who lives much of his life in isolation and often suffers from loneliness. However, as demonstrated in this passage, the overall mood of the story reflects the comforting presence of nature, which eases the man’s feelings of loneliness and those of the reader as well. Hemingway establishes this mood through the peaceful and comforting tone of the narrator towards the old man and the setting, which influences the reader’s emotions.

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What is Mood? Definition, Usage, and Literary Examples

Mood definition.

Mood  (MOOduh) is the atmosphere surrounding a story and the emotions that the story evokes in the reader. Any adjective can describe a mood, both in literature and in life, such as  playful ,  tense ,  hopeful ,  dejected ,  creepy ,  lonely ,  amusing , or  suspenseful .

Every work of writing will have a predominant mood that represents the entire piece. However, longer pieces such as novels can have different moods throughout the piece depending on what is happening in the  plot .

Literary Devices that Create Mood

Several literary devices come together to bring mood to light: diction, imagery, setting, and tone.

The word choices an author makes are crucial to establishing the mood, as every word—even words with similar meanings—has its own implication. Describing an abode as an “abandoned, creaking shack” is quite a different mood from a “secluded little cottage,” even though both phrases are describing similar objects. The former has an unsettling mood while the latter creates a pleasant one.

Imagery uses words that appeal to the reader’s senses to create an image they can almost experience. An author who describes a meadow as having colorful flowers, a soft, whistling breeze, and warm sunlight is creating a relaxing mood through sight, sound, and touch. On the other hand, a dark, cold room with fleeting shadows and an unidentified high-pitched scream establishes a frightening mood.

Setting is the time period and physical location in which the story takes place. Setting helps determine the mood early in the story because it’s one of the first things readers experience. If the story takes place in a hospital, it’s probably going to have a sad, uncomfortable mood, whereas a scene in a theme park will have an exciting, happy mood.

Tone and mood are often confused because they both describe the emotions of a written work. The tone or  attitude  of the author sets the mood of the piece and determines what the reader will feel. If an author has a sad tone, they most likely want the reader to have an empathetic or sad mood. In  The Hunger Games , when Katniss is waiting for the games to officially begin, the suspenseful, nervous tone creates apprehension and concern in the reader.

But, tone and mood can be different. If an author is upset that someone played a harmless prank on them, they might have an angry tone, but the mood will be humorous to the reader.

Mood and Atmosphere

Mood and atmosphere are often used interchangeably, but there is a slight distinction between them. Mood pertains to how the reader feels about the piece, while atmosphere describes a lingering feeling in an environment. Mood helps create atmosphere.

Mood Determined by Genre or Theme

Different literary genres have pre-established moods that readers can expect. These common moods are established by the subject matter and theme of the genre. Romance novels tend to have lighthearted, uplifting moods for most of the story with a heartbreaking mood for the climax of the  plot . Spy thriller novels are known for their tense, ominous moods.

When writing a novel in a known genre, it can be intriguing to create a mood that subverts what’s expected; for example, writing a humorous spy thriller or a depressing romance. This can surprise the reader and make the story stand out.

Why Writers Use Mood

Connection to any written material comes from how the writer makes the reader feel. When the mood establishes that emotional connection, it helps readers understand what the writer is trying to convey. Even when the reader can’t remember specific details of the story later, they’ll be able to remember how the piece made them feel.

It can also help the reader understand the theme of the piece. For example, a book about war might have a tense and depressing mood, which brings the reader into the story and helps them feel what the characters might have felt

Mood Outside of Literature

Music is a powerful mood creator. So powerful, in fact, that the mood of a song is more dependent on the music than the lyrics. The popular nursery rhyme “Ring Around the Rosie,” for example, has such a happy tune that children dance in a circle while they sing it. However, the lyrics reference symptoms of the bubonic plague—a topic with a decidedly darker mood than the music.

Music is also a key component to establishing mood in movies and television shows, as the background music helps the audience determine how they feel about a scene. For example,  Grey’s Anatomy  occasionally has happy, peppy music playing in the background of a character meltdown to let the audience know it’s a funny moment not to be taken too seriously. Likewise, a death scene will have dark, ominous music to make the audience feel sad.

To demonstrate music as an effective mood creator, people changed the background music of the movie trailer for  Elf  to reflect an entirely different mood. The video editor changed this whimsical Christmas movie’s joyful, humorous mood into a thriller movie with a creepy mood simply by changing the music.

Examples of Mood in Literature

1. William Shakespeare, “ Sonnet 130 ”

In this  sonnet ,  Shakespeare  makes fun of popular love  poems  that over-exaggerate beauty by describing the woman he loves in a more realistic fashion:

My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun;
Coral is far more red than her lips’ red;
If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun;
If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head.
I have seen roses damasked, red and white,
But no such roses see I in her cheeks;

Shakespeare’s mocking tone gives this sonnet a humorous mood. While he is sincere in his description of his love, he uses common phrases such as “eyes like the sun,” “white as snow,” and “rosy cheeks” to communicate his dislike for standard poems, and readers in turn find it amusing.

2. Johanna Spyri,  Heidi

Heidi ventures up the mountain with Peter and the goats and finds a picturesque scene awaiting her:

The child sat without moving, her eyes taking in the whole scene, and all around was a great stillness, only broken by soft, light puffs of wind that swayed the light bells of the blue flowers, and the shining gold heads of the cistus, and set them nodding merrily on their slender stems.

The imagery of the “blue flowers,” “soft puffs of wind,” and “shining gold heads” creates an idyllic, peaceful mood.

3. John Green,  The Fault in Our Stars

Hazel Lancaster is being forced to go to a support group named God’s Heart because her doctor thinks she’s depressed about her cancer diagnosis. This is her description of those meetings:

So here’s how it went in God’s Heart: The six or seven or ten of us walked/wheeled in, grazed at a decrepit selection of cookies and lemonade, sat down in the Circle of Trust, and listened to Patrick recount for the thousandth time his depressingly miserable life story— […] they thought he was going to die but he didn’t die and now here he is, a full-grown adult in a church basement in the 137th nicest city in America, divorced […].

The setting helps determine the depressing, downhearted mood in this example with the “decrepit selection” of food, the “church basement,” and even the “137th nicest city in America.” Readers get the feeling of a rather pathetic support group. The diction is also important here. Words and phrases like “decrepit,” “wheeled in,” and “depressingly miserable life” help set the mood.

Further Resources on Mood

Writers Write has  140 examples  of mood in literature.

Improve the mood in your own novel with Now Novel’s  tips on creating a strong atmosphere .

Related Terms

definition mood literature

Writing Explained

What is Mood? Definition, Examples of Mood in Literature & Poetry

Home » The Writer’s Dictionary » What is Mood? Definition, Examples of Mood in Literature & Poetry

Mood definition: Mood—also known as atmosphere—is the overall feeling for the audience an author creates in his writing.

What is Mood / What is the Mood of a Story?

What does mood mean? Mood—also known as atmosphere—is the overall feeling for the audience an author creates in his writing. When you read a text and you have a particular feeling that you associate with the descriptive language, you are experiencing the mood of a story.

An author will create mood through language. He does not tell the reader what to think but rather utilizes the elements of writing to create a particular and specific feeling for the reader.

Example of mood definition literature

How to Create Mood in a Story

Creating Mood Through Setting:

A particular setting will help an author to create a particular mood. For example, an uninhabited, dilapidated house in an empty forest might be one setting. An author is going to use descriptive and sensory language to create that setting. The way that the audience feels as a result of that setting is mood.

Creating Mood Through Tone:

What is a mood examples

Creating Mood Through Diction:

Diction is perhaps the key player to creating mood. Each word an author selects should further communicate the mood he wants to create. This involves any narration or dialogue, as well.

For example, it would be very strange for the author trying to create a dreary mood to have an exclamation of excitement in his dialogue. Each word choice should reinforce the mood the author wants to achieve.

The Purpose of Mood

Literary definition of mood examples in literature

This is all due to mood. An author wants his reader to feel a certain way when he reads his text. In fact, mood is probably why we continue (or cease) to read a certain text. We either like the feeling the words give us, or we don’t.

Writers should create mood to match their intention. If the mood does not match the message, a reader will lose interest.

Examples of Mood in Literature

Mood in poetry meaning and mood poetry definition

The opening scene occurs as the watchmen are changing guard. Their discussion is about a ghost they saw the previous night. And, just as they are discussing, the ghost itself appears.

Here, Shakespeare utilizes diction, setting, and tone to create an ominous mood. He appropriately sets the stage for his tragedy, providing relevant background information, including the ghost of the murdered king, pulling in his audience and inciting fear and mystery.

Summary: Mood Literary Definition

Define mood in literature: The definition of mood in literature is the overall feeling and author creates for his audience.

Mood is the atmosphere the text creates. In a way, it’s all of the “unsaid” elements that create a feeling the text provides for the audience. Mood is essential to engage readers.

Literary Devices

Literary devices, terms, and elements, definition of mood.

As a literary device, mood is the emotional feeling or atmosphere that a work of literature produces in a reader. All works of literature produce some sort of emotional and psychological effect in the audience; though every reader may respond differently to the same work of literature there is often a similar type of mood produced. For example, in a thriller most readers will feel some sort of suspense, while dramatic novels may produce a sense of sentimentality. Authors use many different factors to create mood, including setting , theme , voice , and tone.

Difference Between Mood and Tone

Though mood and tone are related and often confused, they are very different literary devices . Tone refers to the author’s attitude toward the work, while the definition of mood is that it is the emotions provoked in the reader. Thus, the difference can be understood in this way: tone is how the author feels, while mood is how the reader feels.

Common Examples of Mood

There are many different things that affect our emotions on a daily basis. Politicians use their speeches to create a certain feeling in the audience, including everything from hope to anger. Politicians try to provoke these feelings to advance their own agendas, win votes, sway opinions, and so forth. Advertisers also try to produce certain emotions such as nostalgia or fear to influence customers to buy their products. Here are examples of mood in these two cases:

Political speeches

In his presidency, Barack Obama has given speeches to arouse many different types of moods. In this first example, he is trying to make his listeners feel hopeful and united:

The pundits, the pundits like to slice-and-dice our country into red states and blue states; red states for Republicans, blue states for Democrats. But I’ve got news for them, too. We worship an “awesome God” in the blue states, and we don’t like federal agents poking around in our libraries in the red states. We coach Little League in the blue states and yes, we’ve got some gay friends in the red states. There are patriots who opposed the war in Iraq and there are patriots who supported the war in Iraq. We are one people, all of us pledging allegiance to the stars and stripes, all of us defending the United States of America.

In the following example, President Obama had just released his official birth certificate and was trying to make Americans feel annoyed and frustrated that he had to address this issue instead of more pressing matters:

I know that there’s going to be a segment of people for which, no matter what we put out, this issue will not be put to rest.  But I’m speaking to the vast majority of the American people, as well as to the press.  We do not have time for this kind of silliness.  We’ve got better stuff to do.  I’ve got better stuff to do.  We’ve got big problems to solve.  And I’m confident we can solve them, but we’re going to have to focus on them — not on this.

Advertisements

Many advertisements, such as the following one from Listerine in the 1950s, try to inspire fear in the consumer so they will think they need a certain product so as not to fail:

Jane has a pretty face. Men notice her lovely figure but never linger long. Because Jane has one big minus on her report card – halitosis: bad breath.

Other advertisements try to make customers think about how much happier they will be when they have the product. Here are some examples of this strategy:

  • Disneyland: The happiest place on earth.
  • Coca Cola: Open happiness.
  • McDonald’s: I’m lovin’ it.
  • Holiday Inn: Pleasing people the world over.
  • KFC: Finger lickin’ good.

Significance of Mood in Literature

Much of literature’s power rests in its ability to provoke and inspire different emotions and psychological states in the reader. Readers often appreciate literature more when the emotional and psychological payoff is greater. For example, if a character is killed off in the first few pages the reader won’t feel much emotion. However, if the book establishes good characterization and the reader feels a connection to a particular character, the reader will be much more affected emotionally if the character dies later in the book.

All literature creates some sort of feeling in the reader, whether it is positive, negative, or neutral. Even indifference is an example of mood. The mood that a work provokes often changes many times throughout the book.

Examples of Mood in Literature

But thy eternal summer shall not fade, Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow’st, Nor shall death brag thou wand’rest in his shade, When in eternal lines to Time thou grow’st.     So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see,     So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.

(“ Sonnet 18” by William Shakespeare)

Shakespeare’s famous “Sonnet 18” is a poem that provokes a feeling of love and sentimentality in most readers. Shakespeare does this by describing his feelings of eternal passion for his beloved.

For the moon never beams, without bringing me dreams Of the beautiful Annabel Lee; And the stars never rise, but I feel the bright eyes Of the beautiful Annabel Lee; And so, all the night-tide, I lie down by the side Of my darling—my darling—my life and my bride, In her sepulchre there by the sea— In her tomb by the sounding sea.

(“Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allen Poe)

Edgar Allen Poe’s poem “Annabel Lee” tells a tragic story of love and loss. The mood that this poem provokes in the reader is generally one of sadness and nostalgia. Poe inspires this mood by establishing a somber psychological setting and showing the art of the relationship up to Annabel Lee’s death.

They’re trying to kill me,” Yossarian told him calmly. “No one’s trying to kill you,” Clevinger cried. “Then why are they shooting at me?” Yossarian asked. “They’re shooting at  everyone ,” Clevinger answered. “They’re trying to kill everyone.” “And what difference does that make?”

( Catch-22 by Joseph Heller)

Joseph Heller’s novel Catch-22 is famous for its absurd situations. In this piece of dialogue , the protagonist Yossarian explains that he’s upset about being targeted. The character of Clevinger thinks he’s paranoid, but Yossarian shows the logic behind his fear. This exchange provokes a feeling of bemusement in the reader.

He rolled in his bed, twisting the sheets, grappling with a problem years too big for him, awake in the night like a single sentinel on picket. And sometime after midnight, he slept, too, and then only the wind was awake, prying at the hotel and hooting in its gables under the bright gimlet gaze of the stars.

( The Shining by Stephen King)

Stephen King’s The Shining is a novel that creates a lot of suspense in the reader. This particular mood example creates tension by describing both the feelings of the character and the outside setting.

Test Your Knowledge of Mood

1. What is the correct mood definition? A. The author’s attitude toward the subject of the book. B. The emotions that the work of literature provokes in the reader. C. The way the characters in the book feel about their situation.

2. What is the best word for the mood that the following passage from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet might inspire in a reader?

JULIET: What’s here? A cup, closed in my true love’s hand? Poison, I see, hath been his timeless end.— O churl, drunk all, and left no friendly drop To help me after? I will kiss thy lips. Haply some poison yet doth hang on them, To make me die with a restorative.

A. Anger B. Excitement C. Sadness

3. Consider the following excerpt from Edgar Allen Poe’s poem “The Raven”:

 Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December; And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor. Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore— For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore— Nameless  here  for evermore.

What is the best word for the mood that this passage inspires? A. Somber B. Jubilant C. Peaceful

Writers.com

When we talk about the different feelings that a work of writing evokes, we’re talking about the types of mood in literature. Creative writers are experts at drawing out specific sensations in their writing. When a poem or story leaves you feeling elated, nervous, hopeful, melancholy, or any other particular emotion, then the writer has successfully harnessed mood in literature.

Mood is something that’s written with intent, and it requires the amalgamation of different craft skills in creative writing. The author must hone their word choice, syntax, and style, while also relaying specific subjects and themes in their writing. As such, mood in literature doesn’t just appear, but it’s the result of painstaking—and rewarding—work.

So, what is mood in literature? This article examines the craft of creating mood in writing. We’ll look at different examples of mood in literature and discuss the difference between tone vs. mood. We’ll also look at examples of mood in poetry, and how this differs from prose. Finally, we’ll give craft tips for honing mood in your own work.

But first, let’s define this important literary device . What is mood in literature?

What is Mood in Literature?

Mood refers to the emotions that a text evokes from the reader. When different craft elements are aligned just so, the writer is capable of evoking different feelings from the audience.

Mood: The emotions a text evokes in the reader.

Note, there’s a difference between emotions evoked from the reader (mood) and emotions imposed upon the reader (atmosphere). We will explain this difference in a moment.

Mood is more than just a statement of feeling. If anything, it’s a way of employing “show, don’t tell” so that the reader feels precisely what the story seeks to convey. Take the below example:

Often, works of literature, especially longform prose and poetry, evoke multiple different emotions. We’ll see this in action through the examples of mood in literature that we’ve provided in this article.

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Tone vs. Mood in Literature

The words “tone” and “mood” are often used interchangeably, but they’re very different in literature. Tone refers to the author’s attitude towards the subject of the work. It conveys how the author feels about what they are writing about—and this applies for poetry, nonfiction, and even third-person fiction.

Take this sentence from the short story “ Bridging the Years ” by Kathleen Thompson Norris:

“She and Jim chattered rapturously of French windows, of brick garden walks, of how plain little net curtains and Anne’s big brass bowl full of nasturtiums would look on the landing of the absurd little stairway that led from the square hall to two useless little chambers above.”

The words “absurd” and “useless” tell us exactly what the author thinks of the house that Anne and Jim have hastily found themselves in. The tone of this passage seems, if not judgmental, then certainly a bit mocking.

Tone vs. Mood in Literature: Tone is the author’s attitude, whereas mood is the emotion evoked in the reader.

Sometimes, tone and mood are aligned. If the subject matter of a story is sad, then both the tone and the mood conveyed by the author may be sad, too. But, tone is always the author’s attitude, whereas mood is always the emotion evoked by the reader. Oftentimes, these two do not align.

For more on tone, check out our article: What is Tone in Literature?

Atmosphere vs. Mood in Literature

Atmosphere and mood have a reciprocal relationship. However, the two are clearly distinct devices.

Atmosphere refers to the general feeling that a text tries to evoke from the reader. This is different from mood, because mood is the actual feeling that’s evoked .

In other words, atmosphere is the sensation imposed upon the reader, whereas mood is the actual feeling produced. For example, the text might have an eerie, unsettling atmosphere, but it will produce an intrigued or excited mood from the reader.

Atmosphere vs. Mood in Literature: Atmosphere is the sensation imposed upon the reader, whereas mood is the actual feeling produced.

Additionally, some atmospheres cannot be moods. The atmosphere of a text might be “dangerous,” for example, but dangerous isn’t a mood. You can evoke a sense of danger —the mood might be “scared” or “anxious”—but the atmosphere isn’t scared or anxious, it’s dangerous.

The two devices rely on the same craft skills, so writers sometimes confuse them. The difference comes down to the readers themselves, how they engage with the text, and the author’s intent.

Grammatical Mood vs. Mood in Literature

To avoid any confusion, this article is not about sentence moods. A sentence mood is a type of sentence that tells you how the sentence should be read. The five types are the indicative (statement sentences), imperative (command sentences), interrogative (question sentences), subjunctive (hypothetical sentences), and conditional (“if” sentences).

These are unrelated to mood in literature, which focuses solely on how emotions are evoked from the reader.

Types of Mood in Literature

Because “mood” refers to an emotion evoked by the text, mood words are often the same as emotion words. Here’s a list of common words that describe mood in literature:

  • Sentimental
  • Pessimistic

Remember, longer texts tend to evoke multiple moods, so you can find different combinations of the above mood words throughout the literary canon.

Examples of Mood in Literature

The following examples of mood in literature come from published works of literature. Most of these examples were written by living or contemporary authors.

Excerpt from “XIV” by Mahmoud Darwish

Longing is the absent chatting with the absent. The distant turning towards the distant. Longing is the spring’s thirst for the jar-carrying women and vice versa. Longing allows distance to recede, as if looking forward, although it may be called hope, were an adventure and a poetic notion. The present tense is hesitant and perplexed, the past tense hangs from a Cypress tree standing on its rooted leg behind a hill, enveloped in its dark green, listening intently to one sound only: the sound of the wind. Longing is the sound of the wind.

Although the subject matter is one of loneliness and distance, the mood of this passage is comfortable and serene. Darwish demonstrates his ideas using natural imagery, invoking the trees, hills, and the sound of the wind. The result is the feeling that longing is natural, that its very existence is rooted in nature, and that it’s a system of different natural elements both propelled towards and repelled by each other. While the intent of this passage is to demonstrate a complex idea through symbolism , the symbols employed evoke a calm, thoughtful mood.

Excerpt from “And Then There Were None” by Agatha Christie

The others went upstairs, a slow unwilling procession. If this had been an old house, with creaking wood, and dark shadows, and heavily paneled walls, there might have been an eerie feeling. But this house was the essence of modernity. There were no dark corners—no possible sliding panels – it was flooded with electric light—everything was new and bright and shining. There was nothing hidden in this house, nothing concealed. It had no atmosphere about it. Somehow, that was the most frightening thing of all. They exchanged good-nights on the upper landing. Each of them went into his or her own room, and each of them automatically, almost without conscious thought, locked the door….

This passage deftly demonstrates the difference between atmosphere and mood. The atmosphere of the house is modern and bright: everything is clean, clearly lit, and comfortable. But the characters don’t feel that way. They move unwillingly, lock their doors, and feel frightened precisely by the absence of anything frightening. While the atmosphere imposed upon the reader is quiet and clean, the emotion evoked from the reader is anxious, nervous, tense.

Excerpt from “The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt

Strange, I thought, as I jumped a sheet of water at the curb, how a few hours could change everything—or rather, how strange to find that the present contained such a bright shard of the living past, damaged and eroded but not destroyed. Andy had been good to me when I had no one else. The least I could do was be kind to his mother and sister. It didn’t occur to me then, though it certainly does now, that it was years since i’d roused myself from my stupor of misery and self-absorption; between anomie and trance, inertia and parenthesis and gnawing my own heart out, there were a lot of small, easy, everyday kindnesses I’d missed out on; and even the word kindness was like rising from unconsciousness into some hospital awareness of voices, and people, from a stream of digitized machines.

“Alienated” best describes the mood of this passage. The last line, in particular, clues us in to the narrator’s feeling of separation from the rest of the world—that simple kindnesses felt distanced, as though dispensed by machines. This feeling coincides with ruminations of the past and present, and the realization that the world has marched on while you were trapped in some sort of fugue. The narrator examines all of this as though from a distance, even though it is his own lived experiences, suggesting both an alienation from others and an alienation of self, making the mood of this passage particularly lonely, perhaps even unnerving.

Examples of Mood in Poetry

“wild geese” by mary oliver.

Retrieved from The Dew Drop.

You do not have to be good. You do not have to walk on your knees for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting. You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves. Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine. Meanwhile the world goes on. Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain are moving across the landscapes, over the prairies and the deep trees, the mountains and the rivers. Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air, are heading home again. Whoever you are, no matter how lonely, the world offers itself to your imagination, calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting— over and over announcing your place in the family of things.

Through natural imagery and an emphasis on the world’s beauty, “Wild Geese” offers the reader hope, connection, and tranquility. The poem reminds us that we all have a place on this strange planet—that, to quote Ocean Vuong, “loneliness is still time spent with the world.” While the subject matter of the poem might be loneliness or disconnection, the mood is serene and hopeful, allowing the reader to find comfort in their solitude.

“We Stopped at Perfect Days” by Richard Brautigan

Retrieved from All Poetry.

We stopped at perfect days and got out of the car. The wind glanced at her hair. It was as simple as that. I turned to say something—

This is a poem where form is the biggest contributing factor to mood. Short poetry doesn’t try to baffle or dupe the reader, it simply offers what is. What does it mean to physically stop at a perfect day? The poem doesn’t say, but phrases like “perfect days,” “wind glanced,” and “simple as that” make this poem feel calm and joyful, like running through the hills on a clear summer’s day. (I myself feel like I’m in a Studio Ghibli movie.)

“The Hum” by Maggie Smith

Out of her collection Goldenrod .

It’s not a question without the mark: How do we live with trust in a world that will continue to betray us. Hear my voice not lift at the end. How do we trust when we continue to be betrayed. For the first time I doubt we’ll find our way back. But how can we not. See how the terminal mark allows a question to dress as statement and vice versa. Sometimes if I am quiet and still, I can hear a small hum inside me, an appliance left running. Years ago I thought it was coming from my bones. The hum kept me company, and I thought thank god for bones, for the fidelity of bones—they’ll be there until the end and then some. Now what. How to continue. I’ve started calling the hum the soul. Today I have to hold my breath to hear it. What question does it keep not asking and not asking, never changing its pitch. How do I answer.

This poem does an expert job of manipulating mood through, ironically, sentence moods. Rather than posing questions, it poses declarative statements, asking the reader to look at the world completely unadorned. It then applies this grammatical transgression to the body, wondering if the soul quietly asks statements that resonate through our bones, if our soul knows something our bones are trying to grasp. The mood of this poem can best be described as urgent, imploring us (without asking us) to consider the statements our own souls are trying to tell us, to consider how we continue to live in this world.

Tips for Creating Mood in Writing

Mood forms from the gestalt of different literary devices. As you write and revise your stories and poems, consider these five tips for creating mood in writing.

1. Creating Mood in Writing: Style, Syntax, & Word Choice

Writers craft mood with careful attention to language. Lime green and forest green have starkly different moods. So do the words “melancholy” and “despairing”: melancholy feels lonely and thoughtful, like wandering through a dark field. “despairing” is more sharp and abrupt, a sadness intensified in a moment. Precise moods require precise language.

Have you noticed how short sentences read faster than long ones? Have you noticed that long sentences, with a series of clauses connected by commas, can build an eerie, foreboding mood—especially when the sentence is describing something in setting, or in the psychology of a character? The way you play with sentence lengths and structures also contributes to the emotion evoked from a reader.

Studying language and how to manipulate it is essential to crafting mood. Even if you only write prose, I highly encourage you to read and study poetry, if only to learn how to use language with proper tension, pacing, and flow.

For more on style, check out these articles:

  • What is Style in Writing?
  • The Importance of Word Choice in Writing

2. Creating Mood in Writing: Show, Don’t Tell

The “Show, Don’t Tell” rule is inextricably linked to mood in literature. “Show, Don’t Tell” means that you create immersive experiences for the reader, rather than describing a sequence of events. It’s the difference between watching something on TV and feeling like you’re there inside of the screen.

“Show, Don’t Tell” is best demonstrated through this quote by Anton Chekhov:

Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.

To create powerful, evocative moods, create sensorily immersive experiences through “Show, Don’t Tell.” Learn more about this important craft device at our article “Show, Don’t Tell” in Creative Writing .

3. Creating Mood in Writing: Hone Imagery

Imagery creates doorways for the reader to experience what happens in the text. Although the word “imagery” sounds visual, it actually encompasses all sensations: sight, touch, smell, sound, taste, and even motion and internal feelings.

We are innately visual, sensory thinkers. A clear blue sky often invokes a positive feeling, but what if that sky sits above groves of leafless trees? How about the awful smell of rotting things, the excitement of running with the wind, or the terror as a pit drops in the center of your stomach?

Finely crafted imagery is essential to building mood, and also a key component of “Show, Don’t Tell.” Learn more here: Imagery Definition: 5+ Types of Imagery in Literature .

4. Creating Mood in Writing: Be Intentional

What mood do you want this scene to have? How about this paragraph? This stanza? This line?

Mood in literature is constructed with intention and attention. The writer hones every part of the work to evoke specific emotions from the reader. This is one of the trickiest parts of writing, and is a key reason why writers should revise, revise, revise, and revise again.

As you write and, especially, as you edit, always ask yourself what mood you’re trying to evoke. Mood contributes to how the reader engages with the text, so for any author to get across their message and ideas, mood is essential!

5. Creating Mood in Writing: Surprise the Reader

Don’t always go for moods that the reader can predict. We expect a wedding to be happy, a funeral to be sad, a first date to be exciting, a haunted house to be scary, etc. But, what if we subvert expectations?

A sad wedding, a joyful funeral, a boring first date, and a funny haunted house are all ways you could entice the reader to tune in. The juxtaposition of setting and mood is ripe with possibility. And, when you create unexpected moods, you give the reader opportunities to feel those moods more deeply, and to ask questions about the story that’s unfolding.

Above all, be playful with the moods you craft in your work. Such playfulness will surely keep the reader engaged long after the story or poem has ended.

The Elements of Mood in Literature

The following are just some of the tools, devices, and elements that contribute to mood in literature, including mood in poetry.

  • Word choice
  • “Show, Don’t Tell” writing
  • Syntax and sentence length
  • Writing style
  • Subject matter
  • The personality of the speaker / narrator
  • Storytelling elements like setting, narrative pacing, conflict , and tension
  • Poetic elements like line and stanza breaks, rhythm, and poetry form
  • Tone and atmosphere, which are distinct but help inform the mood of a work

Master Mood in Literature at Writers.com!

As writers, we can’t always tell how our work reads for the reader, or what emotions it might evoke. That’s why the feedback in a writing class can be instrumental in sharpening your poetry and prose. Take a look at our upcoming writing classes , where you’ll receive expert feedback on the writing you receive, helping you shape the moods you harness in your writing.

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Sean Glatch

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Mr. Glatch, I so appreciate your informative article on Creating Mood in Writing. I am a retired MS level psychologist. As a researcher and therapist my professional writing had to be precise, objective and third person. That professional underpinning forms the foundation with which I’ve grappled for the last 30+ years. I wrote my first poem when I was 63 years of age—a lengthy, pastoral, doggerel-muse—partly to confess to myself my own inscape—and too, give vent to the very issues you have addressed—in an attempt to rejoin the subjective world I had set aside for 35+years. Thank you for your encouragement.

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Your research sounds fascinating! If you keep writing poetry, I’m sure you’ll uncover many new things about our weird and wonderful brains. Thanks for commenting–I’m so happy to hear this article inspired you.

Warmest, Sean

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What is Mood in Literature Film — A Guide for Writers Featured

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What is Mood in Literature & Film — A Guide for Storytellers

W hat is mood in literature and film? We often use the term “mood” in a generalized sense to describe the overall feel of situations – but is that a misapplication? We’re going to break down everything there is to know about mood; including how mood is different from tone and how mood is applied in film and literature. By the end, you’ll understand what mood is and how to apply it in your own works.

What is Mood in Literary Terms?

First, let’s define mood in literature.

It’s tricky to define mood in literature because there are two interpretations of the term. Both interpretations of mood are derived from the same etymology — old English mōd which translates to “feeling.” 

“Mood” can refer either to the atmosphere of a story or the emotional state of a character. Mood and emotion are heavily linked, but they aren't the same. In writing, there is a lot of overlap and the best writers (for fiction or film) understand that relationship and use it to tell more cohesive stories.

Now that we’ve broken down some conceptual differences between mood and emotion, let’s outline a formal mood definition.

MOOD DEFINITION LITERATURE

What is mood.

A mood is a feeling that can refer to the emotional state of mind of a person/character or the atmosphere of a story. Mood is omnipresent in stories. In literature, mood is communicated subtly through the use of imagery, conflict, etc.; and explicitly through omniscient narration or dialogue. In film, mood can be communicated similarly – but it can also be communicated through the visuals and soundtrack.

Steps in Creating Mood:

  • Response to Stimuli
  • Expression of Emotion
  • Feeling as a Result

What is the Meaning of Mood?

Breaking down the mood meaning.

So far, you can see that what we're talking about is rather abstract, amorphous and subjective. If mood is informed through emotion, and everyone has their own emotions, how do we even begin to execute these concepts? 

This next video from screenwriting guru Robert McKee explores the question: what is the difference between mood and emotion?

Mood of a Story  •  What is the Difference Between Mood and Emotion?

“The mood of any story, whatever it is, is there to make the emotional experience of the story specific.” — Robert McKee. 

Think about the etymology of mood again and how everything references back to “feeling.” Mood is an atmospheric feeling; emotion is a personal feeling. McKee argues that in a story, mood is what makes the emotional experience (terror, euphoria, etc.) specific.

Mood Definition Literature

Tone vs mood explained.

Tone vs mood — tone and mood are two terms that are often used interchangeably — but they don’t have the same meaning. There’s definitely some conjecture as to the applicable definitions of mood and tone but perhaps it’s helpful to think about this way:

Mood is what you feel from consuming a piece of art.

Tone is what the artist feels about the subject matter of their art.

Can you see how the mood definition and tone definition could lead down a slippery slope? There’s a whole lot of subjectivity in personal feeling and a whole lot of presumption in suggesting how an artist feels about their work.

There are cases where we can appropriately diagnose mood and tone though. Let’s look at an iconic example from George Orwell’s 1984 .

What is Mood in Literature?  •  Crash Course Breaks Down ‘1984’

What’s the mood of 1984 ? How does it make you feel? I suppose it’s fair to say that 1984 is supposed to make you feel paranoid, fearful and depressed. But is that how Orwell wanted you to feel? Well, yeah pretty much.

In a letter written in 1944 addressing the second World War and the responsibility of artists to show the horrors of totalitarian states, Orwell said “I think, and have thought ever since the war began, in 1936 or thereabouts, that our cause is the better, but we have to keep on making it the better, which involves constant criticism.”

So, let’s diagnose the mood and tone in 1984 .

Mood : fear and paranoia.

Tone : indicting totalitarianism.

Now, let’s break down some more mood examples in literature.

Types of Mood in Literature

Mood examples in literature.

In literature, conflict and imagery are two essential aspects of building mood. Conflict is when two or more opposing forces work against each other. Imagery is everything that goes into building an image in the mind of a reader. 

Perhaps no American author was better at building mood than Edgar Allan Poe. This next video from TED-Ed explores why everyone should read Poe.

What is Mood in Literature?  •  Why Should You Read Edgar Allan Poe?

Poe is widely credited with creating the first modern detective story with The Murders in the Rue Morgue ; which went on to inspire the mood of hardboiled fiction and some film noir . But Poe is perhaps most famous for his use of gothic imagery and the macabre. Many of Poe’s most famous works, including The Murders in the Rue Morgue and The Raven , were defined by their gothic imagery, macabre conflict, and sinister mood. 

Many contemporary critics argue that Poe’s best work is The Cask Of Amontillado – a short story about a man named Montresor who kills his rival, Fortunato. This next video from Course Hero explores why The Cask of Amontillado is such a great example of mood.

What is Mood in Literature?  •  The Cask of Amontillado Analysis

So, why is The Cask of Amontillado one of the greatest mood examples in literature? Well, let’s start with the imagery. Read this excerpt and pay attention to the image it creates.

“We went on, deeper and deeper into the earth. Finally we arrived at a vault in which the air was so old and heavy that our lights almost died. Against three of the walls there were piles of bones higher than our heads. From the fourth wall someone had pulled down all the bones, and they were spread all around us on the ground. In the middle of the wall was an opening into another vault, if I can call it that — a little room about three feet wide, six or seven feet high, and perhaps four feet deep. It was hardly more than a hole in the wall.”

How does this image make you feel? Probably a little grossed out right? Poe was a master of using imagery to evoke mood in the reader.

The second way Poe built his signature mood is through macabre conflict – or conflict that results in death or dismemberment. We see him use macabre conflict in A Cask of Amontillado when Montresor seals Fortunato in the wall – and in The Tell Tale Heart when the narrator kills their roommate and buries him underneath the floorboards.

If you’re planning on writing a novel or short story, consider building a mood like Poe does. You don’t have to focus on dark subject matter – you can try writing something antithetic to his sensibilities.

For example: why not swap out macabre conflict for intimate conflict? Why not build romantic images rather than gothic ones? You never know which strategy will work best for your story until you give it a go.

Mood of a Story in Film Explained 

Mood examples in film.

Cinema offers a breadth of opportunities to build mood — through lighting techniques , production design , camera movement , diegetic sound and non-diegetic sound . One film that does an absolutely phenomenal job of building mood strictly through filmmaking tactics is The Artist .

Watch this next clip and think about how director Michel Hazanavicius builds the film-world with emotion.

The Mood Meaning in The Artist

How does this scene make you feel? Happy? Sad? Romantic? Why do you feel this way? Is it the swelling non-diegetic music? Is it the actors’ performances? Or is it the unique camera framing of the scene? Maybe it’s all of these things – and perhaps that’s the best explanation of what mood in cinema is.

Now let’s take a look at another clip from The Artist that represents a diametrically opposite mood.

The Mood Meaning in The Artist, Part II

How does the alternative use of sound change the mood of this scene? Well, I’d say that it makes us feel like something is wrong – it puts us into the mood of the main character, George, and incites a sense of paranoia.

Another way filmmakers can visually communicate mood is through the use of color theory ; which can be used cinematographically with lighting – like it is in Blade Runner: 2049 .

What is Mood in Literature and Visual Media Mood Examples in ‘Blade Runner

What is Mood in Literature and Visual Media?  •  Mood Examples in Blade Runner: 2049

How does the color in this image make you feel? Confused? Enticed? To me, the vibrant pinks and blues instill a sense of artificiality. And the fact that the man is left in the shadows confirms a feeling of loneliness and powerlessness.

There are many ways to generate this particular mood — i.e., there's no one guaranteed way to do it. When filmmakers are looking to strike a particular mood in their work, they might create a mood board or a lookbook to gather their inspiration. We imported a series of stills into StudioBinder’s storyboard creator software to generate a “lonely” themed mood board.

Follow the image link to explore the entire collection, including shots from  Drive  and  Into the Wild , and download a PDF for future reference.

What is Mood in Literature Film Moodboard StudioBinder Shot Listing Software

Filmic Mood Board, Made With StudioBinder’s Storyboard Creator

Notice how each frame features a single character? That’s because it’s a natural way to build a “lonely” mood. You may also want to consider the role that gazes and reflections play when it comes to mood. 

If you want to explore other works of Roger Deakins, check out our article on how to use lighting like Roger Deakins .

Mood Definition Literature and Film ‘The Shining Showcases an Atmospheric Mood

Mood Definition Literature and Film  •  ‘The Shining’ Creates Atmosphere & Mood

What’s the mood here? Does it look like a celebration? How do we know? Well, the characters are all dressed up; and some are smiling. The red chairs in the foreground draw our attention to a lively group in front of the camera – then to the bartender in back. In the middle, Jack seems solemn – which makes the mood a confusing mix of life and loathing. 

If you want to learn more about Kubrick’s film-worlds, check out our article on how to use color in mise en scene like Kubrick .

When planning out a scene in your own film, think about how different filmmakers use sound, visuals and color to communicate atmosphere and state of mind. Consider the audience and the experience you want them to have.

Create your own mood board

We briefly touched on the difference between tone vs mood, but there’s a lot more to it than what we went over here. Now that you have a better understanding of how important mood is in the overall storytelling experience, why not start by creating your own mood board? You'll be surprised at how quickly inspiration comes when you put one together.

Up Next: Create a mood board now →

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Mood in Composition and Literature

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In essays and other literary works, the mood is the dominant impression or emotional atmosphere evoked by the text .

Distinguishing between mood and tone can be difficult. W. Harmon and H. Holman suggest that mood is "the emotional-intellectual attitude of the author toward the subject" and tone "the attitude of the author toward the audience " ( A Handbook to Literature , 2006).

Examples and Observations From Other Texts

  • "Authors often use concrete details to engage the reader's imagination, establishing mood and tone; they often draw on sensory imagery. In 'Journey to Nine Miles,' when Alice Walker writes, ' By five o'clock, we were awake, listening to the soothing slapping of the surf and watching the sky redden over the ocean ,' she appeals to the reader's senses of sight and sound to establish a colorful, sensual tone that pervades the essay. Similarly, Arthur C. Clarke's narrator creates tension—establishing mood and tone—in the first few sentences of 'The Star,' while providing readers with a clear sense of time and place: 'It is three thousand light-years to the Vatican. Once, I believed that space could have no power over faith, just as I believed that the heavens declared the glory of God's handiwork. Now I have seen that handiwork and my faith is sorely troubled. '" (J. Sterling Warner and Judith Hilliard, Visions Across the Americas: Short Essays for Composition , 7th ed. Wadsworth, 2010)
  • "[T]he reader must have a sympathetic relation with the subject matter and a sensitive ear; especially must he have a sense of 'pitch' in writing. He must recognize when the quality of feeling comes inevitably out of the theme itself; when the language, the stresses, the very structure of the sentences are imposed upon the writer by the special mood of the piece." (Willa Cather, "Miss Jewett." Not Under Forty , 1936)
  • " Tone in fiction is like the tone of a storyteller's voice: is it playful, serious, melancholy, frightening, or what? (It can be any of these things, and still be the same voice.) " Mood has to do with the emotions the author makes the reader feel in less direct ways—by the sounds of the words she uses, the length and rhythm of sentences, the choice of images and their associations. "Sometimes tone and mood are most effective when they are mismatched." (Damon Knight, Creating Short Fiction , 3rd ed. Macmillan, 1997)
  • "The mood of a poem is not quite the same thing as the tone although the two are very closely linked. When we refer to the mood of a poem we are really talking about the atmosphere that the poet creates in the poem. . . . "One way to try to help yourself establish the mood of a poem is to read it aloud. You can experiment with various readings, seeing which one you think best fits the particular poem. (Don't try this in an exam, of course.) The more practice you get at reading poems aloud and the more you are able to hear others read them, the better able you will be able to 'hear' poems in your mind when you read them to yourself." (Steven Croft, English Literature: The Ultimate Study Guide . Letts and Londale, 2004)
  • "The essay, as a literary form, resembles the lyric, in so far as it is molded by some central mood —whimsical, serious, or satirical. Give the mood, and the essay, from the first sentence to the last, grows around it as the cocoon grows around the silkworm. The essay writer is a chartered libertine and a law unto himself. A quick ear and eye, an ability to discern the infinite suggestiveness of common things, a brooding meditative spirit, are all that the essayist requires to start business with." (Alexander Smith, "On the Writing of Essays." Dreamthorp , 1863)

Mood in Walker's Jubilee (1966)

"In several instances [in Margaret Walker's novel Jubilee ] mood is conveyed more by conventional notation—the number thirteen, boiling black pot, full moon, squinch owl, black crone—than any decisive nuance of thought or detail; or more precisely, fear is disembodied from internal agitations of feeling and becomes an attribute of things. 'Midnight came and thirteen people waited for death. The black pot boiled, and the full moon rode the clouds high in the heavens and straight up over their heads. . . . It was not a night for people to sleep easy. Every now and then the squinch owl hollered and the crackling fire would glare and the black pot boil. . . .'" Hortense J. Spillers, "A Hateful Passion, a Lost Love." Toni Morrison's "Sula," ed. by Harold Bloom. Chelsea House, 1999)

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What is Mood in Literature?

what is mood in literature

Gearing up to teach or analyze mood in literature? This guide covers all of the basics about mood, from understanding its definition to unpacking examples to sharing engaging teaching tips. Consider this your foundation for teaching (or learning) mood as a literary device.

Mood Definition

In literature, mood refers to the emotional response a piece of writing evokes in the reader. It is the overall feeling created by a text through other literary elements to create a general atmosphere for the piece. All works of literature, from novels to short stories to poems, incorporate mood. However, the mood itself greatly varies from text to text.

Authors use various literary devices, such as descriptive language, word choice, setting, sentence structure, and overall writing style, to establish these emotions. Whether evoking joy, suspense, melancholy, or any other emotion, the mood lays a foundation for the reader’s experience, making it a critical aspect of storytelling.

Mood Pronunciation

Mood is a one-syllable word pronounced with a long “oo” sound, similar to moon, food, and pool.

What Kinds of Mood Do Authors Use?

Authors can choose from various moods for their writing due to the diverse nature and complexity of human emotion. While some texts, especially shorter pieces of literature, have one consistent mood throughout the narrative, others, usually longer works, can have various moods throughout. More complex narratives may have different moods layered throughout the work, creating a dynamic reading experience for the audience.

The mood of a text is often described using adjectives and can be broken down into two major categories: positive and negative. These categories typically correlate with what we consider positive and negative emotions.

Here are some common examples:

What is the Purpose of Mood in a Story?

Establishing mood in literature serves several purposes, mainly:

  • Establishing atmosphere
  • Evoking emotions
  • Enhancing theme and message
  • Increasing reader engagement

With skilled writers, establishing a particular mood is never an accident. It’s a strategic tool authors intentionally use, guiding the reader on a specific emotional journey. Authors know mood plays a crucial role in shaping the reader’s experience and perception of a story, influencing their emotional response, connection, and engagement with the text. Therefore, they craft the mood to enhance the impact of the themes and messages they want to convey through their work.

Ultimately, the purpose of mood is to enrich the storytelling, allowing authors to shape the reader’s experience to foster more profound connections with the narrative, including its characters, settings, conflicts, themes, and more.

Understanding the Difference: Mood vs. Tone

While mood and tone are interconnected elements of a story, each serves a distinct purpose. Mood refers to the emotional atmosphere of a text, influencing the reader’s emotional response. Conversely, tone refers to the author’s attitude or emotional stance toward the subject matter, characters, or events within the narrative. While we’ve already explored why authors use mood, tone provides insights into the author’s intent, guiding readers in understanding the reason behind the words. For example, an author may adopt a humorous tone to establish a fun, lighthearted narrative, a serious tone to address important issues, or a detached tone to objectively present events.

In some instances, tone and mood line up, supporting one another. In other cases, the two elements contrast, adding an intentional sense of irony, complexity, or depth to a story.  Regardless, tone always reflects the author’s attitude, whereas mood always focuses on the reader’s emotions.

While both are conveyed through diction and syntax, tone is often implied through stylistic choices, whereas mood is represented through narrative elements and literary devices. Both work to underscore an overarching message, theme, or perspective an author is trying to relay.

How to Identify Mood in a Story

While you can find textual evidence to support a specific emotion, moods are established throughout an entire work versus in a single sentence, paragraph, or chapter. Identifying mood in literature requires readers to recognize and pay attention to the intentional choices made by the author throughout the text. Paying attention to the following literary elements will help fully capture, understand, and unpack the mood of any particular work of literature:

1. Pay attention to setting

A story’s setting can significantly contribute to the mood. Consider how establishing and describing where and when a story occurs, weather conditions, and the overall environment create or emphasize specific emotions.

Example: A story on a “dark and stormy night” will establish a different mood than one set in an enchanting forest or magical kingdom.

2. Assess character emotions

Pay attention to characters’ emotional states throughout a story as they often understone the intended mood. Pay attention to their thoughts, feelings, actions, reactions, and the overall dynamics of their relationships with other characters.

Example: A character who is happily falling in love will add a different layer to the mood than a character who is dealing with guilt, paranoia, or fear.  

3. Analyze diction and imagery

The choice of words, or diction, by an author greatly impacts the story’s mood. They often carefully consider the connotation of words they use, guiding a reader toward a specific emotional response. Taking it one step further, authors may employ the use of vivid and sensory details to create mental images for the reader, intensifying the emotional impact of a narrative.

Other literary devices, including symbolism, metaphors, similes, and foreshadowing, often work together with diction and imagery to establish or enhance mood.

Example: A writer may use happy, colorful, vibrant words and imagery to convey a joyful mood or opt for dark, shadowy imagery coupled with “negative” words to evoke a sense of suspense or apprehension.

4. Look for consistency—or stark contrasts

Since mood is not a one-and-done thing, but is established throughout the entire work, it’s essential to consider its consistency throughout the story. Identifying recurring patterns and consistent emotional undertones throughout a narrative can help readers identify and understand the mood.

On the other hand, authors sometimes employ contrasting elements to create irony , creating a divergence between what is expected and what actually occurs. This can add depth to the mood by introducing elements of surprise or complexity. Whether you notice patterns or stark contrasts, it’s an intentional choice that ties into the piece’s mood and the message the author is trying to convey.

5. Consider genre and plot

The genre and plot of a piece of literature are strongly tied to its mood. Different genres inherently carry specific expectations regarding the emotional atmosphere they create. The genre tends to set the initial expectations for the mood, as different genres trend toward particular moods. A classic example is thriller, horror, and mystery genres, which tend to evoke feelings of suspense, fear, anxiety, and doom. On the other hand, more traditional romance novels tend to stir up overarching feelings of hope, love, and passion.

The plot, with its conflicts, resolutions, pacing, twists, and character arcs, works with the genre to shape the story’s mood. The events and developments within the plot add to the overall emotional impact and connections a reader feels. While the plot may stir up various emotions, the story’s conflict resolution typically emphasizes the lasting emotional impact the author wishes the reader to take away from the piece.

6. Survey Narrative Style

Focusing on the author’s craft and style , including sentence structure and pacing, is another way authors build up a particular emotional response from readers. Consider the author’s deliberate choices regarding everything from choices in language and structure to perspective and tone. Does the author employ flashbacks or foreshadowing? Is there dialogue?  Does the story unfold in a linear or non-linear way?

Paying attention to the overall narrative on a macro level helps readers see the inner workings of all the author’s choices, and better understand their overall impact on the mood and message of a piece.

Tips for Teaching Mood

Emotions are an abstract concept, making them a bit nuanced in nature. Therefore, some students struggle to grasp the concept at first. Here are some practical tips to effectively teach mood to students:

  • Show plenty of examples: Use a variety of literary excerpts to illustrate different moods, especially if students are new to the concept. Encourage students to analyze and discuss the nuances in these examples to deepen their understanding of mood in literature.
  • Start with short stories and poetry: Begin teaching mood by focusing on shorter literary works such as short stories and poetry . Allow students to grasp mood dynamics more quickly and effectively before diving into more complex and nuanced works.
  • Plan interactive activities: Engage students in activities that allow them to experience and express different moods. Role-playing, creative writing exercises, and mood-themed discussions can enhance understanding.
  • Conduct guided close readings : Guide students through analysis of excerpts from diverse literary works. Identify elements that contribute to the mood and discuss how authors use them to elicit specific emotions.
  • Refer to visuals: Help make this abstract concept more concrete by using mood boards, images, and multimedia to help students visualize and connect with different moods. This multi-sensory approach is great for engaging different styles of learners while enhancing their understanding of the concept.
  • Make real-world connections: Relate mood in literature to real-world experiences and emotions. Discussing how certain situations or environments evoke specific feelings can make the concept more relatable.

Examples of Mood in Literature

1.  suspense and guilt in “the tell-tale heart” by edgar allan poe.

Poe is the master of Gothic horror, and all the moods that come with it, and “The Tell-Tale Heart” is no exception. The story creates a sense of suspense, fear, and guilt throughout the story, underscoring the narrator’s slip into madness. As the narrator becomes increasingly obsessed and disturbed by the old man’s eye, the mood becomes ominous and foreboding, leading to a chilling climax.

2. The shifting mood in “The Landlady” by Roald Dahl

“The Landlady” is a great example of how authors manipulate mood to create a sense of irony, dramatic effect, and suspense in literature. In this short story, the reader initially feels a sense of curiosity, which swiftly turns to unease and, ultimately, horror as young Billy Weaver falls victim to the landlady’s sinister ways.

3. Resilience and determination in “Mother to Son” by Langston Hughes

The mood in “Mother to Son” is one of resilience and determination. The speaker balances detailing her hardships and metaphor of life as a challenging staircase, conveying a mood of struggle and perseverance from the start. However, as the poem continues, the mood shifts to reflect a sense of encouragement and optimism as it becomes clear that the speaker’s goal is to share her wisdom and experiences with her son, inspiring and motivating him to keep pushing forward in the face of hardship.

4. The decadence and disillusionment in “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald

For most of the novel, readers are easily caught up in the whimsical and carefree decadence of the character’s lives, feeling hopeful that Gatsby and Daisy will get their happily ever after. However, as the narrative carries on, readers begin to understand that not everything is as it seems. This shift stirs up a sense of emptiness and melancholy, helping Fitzgerald highlight the tone of disillusionment in the 1920s and his critique of the American Dream.

Additional Resources for Teaching Theme

This mood and tone reference sheet is perfect to help guide your students through a literary exploration.

Teach the nuances and impact of mood with a short story analysis of “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe .

Learn my best tips and tricks for teaching mood and tone with short stories .

Engage your students in an exploration of mood with the following videos:

  • Breakdown mood with an accessible explanation from Scholastic
  • Learn the power of mood with this playlist of movie trailers
  • Examples to break down the difference between mood and tone

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Mood in Literature — Definition, Types, and Examples

Daniel Bal

What is the mood of a story?

As a literary device, a story’s mood is the emotional response a writer wants the reader to feel when reading the work. These emotional responses can be positive or negative.

definition mood literature

To create a certain mood, authors use genre, setting, imagery, and diction.

How authors create mood

Genre: Simply being aware of the genre of a story can create a certain mood for the reader. Knowing that a literary work is a fable or fairy tale elicits a general feeling of whimsy, while a mystery novel can create a tense or foreboding atmosphere.

Setting: The time and location of a work can impact the reader's mood. A story occurring at night vs. during the day would create two different atmospheres in the same way if the location were in a park vs. a cemetery.

Imagery: By appealing to the senses through imagery , writers create situations that readers can experience. Detailing bright, warm colors along with the smell of flowers or freshly baked cookies develop a mood differently than the sound of nails on a chalkboard or the frigid temperatures felt when falling through ice into a lake.

Imagery

Diction: Incorporating words with connotations that produce an emotional response, called diction , helps writers create a desired mood. Using words with the same meaning yet different connotations (e.g., determined vs. stubborn) helps develop a specific tone.

Tone vs. mood

The author’s tone in a piece of writing is the author's attitude toward the subject matter, whereas the mood is the reader's feelings. Authors mainly create a specific tone using diction (choice of words) and imagery. The tone involves the writer, while the mood involves the reader.

Tone vs. mood

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: At one point in the novel, a group of men arrives at the jail to supposedly kill Tom Robinson, a Black man accused of a crime he did not commit. When the young Scout recognizes one of the men, she begins talking to him about knowing his son.

While the tone the author creates is one of innocence, as suggested by Scout's inability to recognize what is happening, the mood Lee develops is tense and awkward, as the reader knows why the men are there.

Mood examples

The following chart includes a categorized list of common examples of mood:

Mood in literature

The following examples highlight the development of different moods in various literary works:

Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll: “And the moral of that is—‘Be what you would seem to be’—or, if you’d like it put more simply—‘Never imagine yourself not to be otherwise than what it might appear to others that what you were or might have been was not otherwise than what you had been would have appeared to them to be otherwise.’”

Carroll utilizes the structure of his sentences and word choice to create a mood that can be seemingly frustrating on the surface with readers trying to comprehend the material. Instead, it becomes playful and whimsical when juxtaposed with the images he creates.

"The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe: "Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December; / And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor."

Through the use of the setting ("bleak December") and words such as "dying" and "ghost," Poe creates a somber mood, allowing the readers to feel the gloom felt by his speaker.

Mood in literature example

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare: "But never till tonight, never till now, / Did I go through a tempest dropping fire. / Either there is a civil strife in heaven, / Or else the world, too saucy with the gods, / Incenses them to send destruction."

Shakespeare's word choice of "fire," "strife," and "destruction" develops a mood that is suggestive of discord and friction to highlight the negative atmosphere created by the return of Julius Caesar to Rome.

Mood Definition

In literature, mood is a literary element that evokes certain feelings or vibes in readers through words and descriptions.

Usually, mood is referred to as the atmosphere of a literary piece, as it creates an emotional setting that surrounds the readers. Mood is developed in a literary piece through various methods, including setting , theme , tone , and diction . Let us see how writers use the afore-mentioned elements in their literary works to create a particular mood.

Creating Mood through Setting

Setting is the physical location in a piece of literature that provides background in which the events of the narrative take place. A particular setting not only provides support to the contents of the story, but also sets the mood of the readers. Let us analyze a few examples of mood developed using a setting :

Example #1: Pickwick Papers (By Charles Dickens)

Charles Dickens creates a calm and peaceful mood in his novel Pickwick Papers :

“The river, reflecting the clear blue of the sky, glistened and sparkled as it flowed noiselessly on.”

The depiction of idyllic scenery imparts a serene and non-violent mood to the readers.

Example #2: Wuthering Heights (By Emily Bronte)

Emily Bronte, in Wuthering Heights , creates two contrasting moods through two contrasting settings. The events of the narrative takes place in two neighboring houses: Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange. A depressing mood is created whenever Wuthering Heights is described. For example, in chapter 12 the narrator says:

“There was no moon, and everything beneath lay in misty darkness: not a light gleamed from any house, far or near all had been extinguished long ago: and those at Wuthering Heights were never visible…”

On the contrary, the description of Thrushcross Grange creates a calm and peaceful mood:

“Gimmerton chapel bells were still ringing; and the full, mellow flow of the beck in the valley came soothingly on the ear. It was a sweet substitute for the yet absent murmur of the summer foliage, which drowned that music about the Grange when the trees were in leaf.”

The contrast presented in the settings also helps in the development of the different characters. The people from Wuthering Heights are unsophisticated, while those from Thrushcross Grange are refined.

Creating Mood through Tone

The manner in which a writer approaches this theme and subject is called the tone . The readers always rely on the writer’s point of view of the events taking place in a story. They observe the story through his eyes. They feel the way the writer feels about the events taking place and the description provided. Therefore, the attitude of the writer evokes feelings and emotions in the readers.

Example #3: The Road Not Taken (By Robert Frost)

For instance, see how Robert Frost, in his poem The Road Not Taken , creates a gloomy feeling through his tone :

“I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.”

Frost informs us about his past with a “sigh” that gives the above lines an unhappy tone and thus evokes an unhappy mood. An unhappy mood is created because the poet convinces us that he regrets a choice he made in the past.

Creating Mood through Diction

Diction is the choice of words a writer uses. Diction or choice of words conveys deep feelings, and depicts the events, places, and characters in a literary work in specific colors, having an effect on the way the readers feel about them.

Example #4: Gulliver’s Travel (By Jonathon Swift)

The following lines from Jonathon Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels is one of the great mood examples created using diction :

“And being no stranger to the art of war, I have him a description of cannons, culverins, muskets, carabines, pistols, bullets, powder, swords, bayonets, battles, sieges, retreats, attacks, undermines, countermines, bombardments, sea-fights…”

In order to create feelings of disgust in readers, for the destructive consequences of war, the writer chooses words that are unmelodious, harsh, and jarring. The diction in the above passage corresponds with the subject matter.

Function of Mood

Mood helps in creating an atmosphere in a literary work by means of setting , theme , diction , and tone . It evokes various emotional responses in readers, and thus ensures their emotional attachment to the literary piece they read. Once the readers are emotionally stirred, they fully comprehend the message that the writer tries to convey to them.

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What is Mood in Literature? Mood Definition and Examples

definition mood literature

by Fija Callaghan

Some books are tailor-made for sweltering beach days, cool drinks, and hours of blissful nothingness as far as the eye can see. Others are made for dark, foreboding nights by the fire (maybe with a friend nearby in case the monsters under the bed get any funny ideas). Some books give you chills, others make you laugh, and still others make you think.

Authors have a lot of tools at their disposal when it comes to creating an engaging atmosphere for the reader. In this article, we’ll be talking about a story’s mood —what it means, how to build it within your story world, and some helpful literary examples from effective novels.

What is mood in literature?

A story’s mood is defined as the emotional response the story creates within the reader. A story might have one of many moods, like a humorous mood, a somber mood, or an uplifting mood. Writers can use tools like setting, imagery, and descriptive language to create mood, which makes the story even seem more immersive and real.

Creating these emotional responses in the reader is essential in making them care about your carefully crafted characters, conflicts, and plot. While longer works such as novels (less so in poetry and short stories) may utilize different moods in different chapters, most literary works of any length will have an overall predominant mood that the reader associates with that work.

For instance, cozy mysteries and fantasies may have tense moments as the conflicts progress, but the novel as a whole will have an overall mood that’s comforting and safe.

We’ll look closer at the different moods you might encounter, and the different ways of creating mood in a story, below.

What’s the difference between literary mood and grammatical mood?

When writers talk about mood, there are two different things they might be referring to: literary mood and grammatical mood. While they share similarities, they’re not quite the same thing.

Grammatical mood refers to the different ways a sentence can be structured to convey the intention behind it. There are five grammatical moods:

Indicative (It’s raining outside)

Imperative (Put your coat on; it’s raining!)

Interrogative (Do you think it will rain all day?)

Conditional (If it stops raining soon, we could go for a walk)

Subjunctive (I suggested we postpone the picnic due to the rain)

While each of these sentences does have a different feel to it, grammatical mood is a specific set of structural parameters. Literary mood, by contrast, reflects the entire overall feeling of a piece of writing. In this article, we’ll be focusing on literary mood.

What’s the difference between mood vs. tone?

In writing, tone refers to the author or narrator’s attitude in a story, while mood refers to the overall sensation the reader gets from reading a piece of writing.

Specifically, tone is the way the author or narrator’s voice sounds on the page. This is achieved by careful attention to sentence structure, syntax, and particular word choices that give the words a certain feel. A narrator’s tone might be critical, encouraging, romantic, aggressive, playful, or more.

Mood refers to the overall sensation a reader gets from reading a piece of writing. Tone of voice contributes to mood, but mood is much broader than tone and incorporates several different literary elements .

Read more about using tone as a literary device in writing .

Mood is the overall atmosphere of a story, while tone is the narrator or author’s attitude.

What’s the difference between mood vs. atmosphere?

Mood and atmosphere are often used interchangeably to describe the overall sensation within a story or poem. While they overlap and inform each other, there’s one key difference.

Atmosphere is the general feeling that’s present within a story, built up out of literary devices like setting, conflict, and characterization. This is what creates the mood that the reader experiences. In other words, atmosphere is an intentional construction, while mood is an organic response.

For example, you might walk into an old church that has a dark and somber atmosphere, which creates a nervous and reverential mood in those within it. The church itself doesn’t feel nervous—it’s only an architectural structure. However, its parts come together to create an atmosphere, which in turn create mood.

Different moods you’ll find in writing

There are many different ways to describe mood in literature, and a myriad of nuances your reader might experience. Let’s look at the different types of emotional responses a story might have.

Uplifting stories, also known as “feel-good” stories, leave the reader feeling refreshed and hopeful. This is a popular mood for romance novels and women’s fiction, but any genre can be written in an uplifting way. These novels also tend to get a lot of word-of-mouth traction, because they make readers feel good at the end and want to recommend them to their friends.

Here are some of the mood adjectives to keep in mind when creating an uplifting mood for your story:

Sentimental

Humorous novels make the readers laugh at the characters, the world, and sometimes even themselves. But this mood isn’t just about slapstick comedy—a humorous mood involves being playful, lighthearted, and not taking yourself too seriously.

Here are some mood adjectives to think about while trying to capture a humorous mood for your story:

Lighthearted

You don’t need to keep a consistent mood on every page—you can have several moods across different chapters.

A foreboding mood is a cornerstone of mystery and horror novels, but you can incorporate this mood into a whole range of stories. Some literary fiction uses an overall foreboding mood when they want to get the reader thinking about pressing social or political issues (like 1984 ). More often, however, foreboding moods will dominate some chapters of a novel, but not others.

Here are some key adjectives to help you build a foreboding mood:

Pessimistic

A pensive mood is thought-provoking and introspective. It encourages readers to consider deep philosophical questions about what they’ve read and the choices they’ve witnessed over the course of a story. These novels often make great discussion points for reading groups and book clubs.

Here are some mood adjectives to think about when writing a story with a pensive mood:

Melancholic

Sympathetic

You’ll notice that some of these moods can overlap, and some, like pensive, can be positive or negative. Remember—you can have more than one mood in your novel, depending on what you’re trying to communicate in each given moment.

Nostalgic, Ominous, and Optimistic are just a few of the words you can use to describe mood in a story.

You may find it helpful to write down some of these mood examples before you begin writing a new scene, and to take a moment to consider how those words make you feel. If you give yourself a clear idea of precisely what specific mood you want your reader to be feeling, those emotions will come across stronger on the page.

Examples of mood in literature

To see how this emotional quality looks in practice, let’s look at a few novels that have successfully evoked rich moods for their readers.

The Princess Bride , by William Goldman

“Good-by, little Domingo,” Yeste would say then. “Although I die in your hut, and although it is your own stubborn fault that causes my ceasing, in other words, even though you are killing me, don’t think twice about it. I love you as I always have and God forbid your conscience should give you any trouble.” He pulled open his coat, brought the knife closer, closer. “ The pain is worse than I imagined! ” Yeste cried. “How can it hurt when the point of the weapon is still an inch away from your belly?” Domingo asked. “I’m anticipating, don’t bother me, let me die unpestered.” Domingo grabbed the knife away. “Someday I won’t stop you,” he said.

The mood in this moment is sharply in contrast with what’s actually happening. Dude is preparing to off himself(!), and yet there’s never the sense that he’s in any real danger. The scene uses a playful mood to reveal the dramatic nature of Yeste’s character, and the comfortable nature of the friendship between the two men.

The juxtaposition between the implication (i.e. unfathomable pain) and the reality (a small temper tantrum) makes the reader laugh and feel that everything will be alright in the end.

Other Birds , by Sarah Addison Allen

Oliver winked at Zoey, who almost tripped down the stairs. Sometimes the dynamic of their relationship was so comfortably platonic that she wanted nothing to change, like when Oliver sat with her on her balcony in the evenings after work. Most of the time they simply stared out at the garden, every once in a while turning to smile at each other as if they couldn’t quite believe this was their life now, that they were actually adults being trusted to navigate this world on their own. But once, he’d reached over and taken her hand and kissed it for no reason she could think of. It was as if she’d touched something electric, and she’d found herself thinking she would be perfectly okay if everything changed.

This moment at the end of the protagonist’s coming-of-age journey is hopeful, nostalgic, whimsical, and peaceful all at once. The moment itself is very small, but the author takes her time to explore its feelings and nuances.

This example shows how you can create a powerful mood by really leaning into an instant in time and fleshing out what it means—where the characters have come from, and where they’re going next.

Spells For Forgetting , by Adrienne Young

A few more days, and the ferries would stop. The orchard would be closed for the winter, and this year, it couldn’t come soon enough. The sharp snap of a limb made my steps slow, and I looked up to where a flash of something skittered ahead, disappearing around the bend in the road. A familiar prick crawled over my skin and I knew that feeling—like a sudden fever. When I was a child, the island’s whispers had been like the sound of my mother humming to herself as she crouched in the garden, or the familiar groan of waves crashing on the rocky shore. But I’d learned a long time ago that sometimes they brought unwelcome fates.

This Pacific Northwest gothic novel uses a powerful setting (a spooky island in the mist) to enhance its mood and themes. Pay attention to how the word choice creates an ominous mood—words like winter, crawled, fever, whispers, the groan of waves crashing—as well as the way the author uses sharp consonance to heighten the tension—words like sharp snap, skittered, prick, and rocky.

This early scene has a general feeling of foreboding and makes the reader want to pull their blankets in closer to find out what happens next.

Mood, atmosphere, and tone can elevate a story and make a reader feel more engaged with your message.

Examples of mood in poetry

Mood is a huge part of the experience of reading and hearing poetry as well. Here are some poems that create particularly effective moods for the reader.

“Litany,” by Billy Collins

You are the bread and the knife, the crystal goblet and the wine. You are the dew on the morning grass and the burning wheel of the sun. You are the white apron of the baker, and the marsh birds suddenly in flight. However, you are not the wind in the orchard, the plums on the counter, or the house of cards. And you are certainly not the pine-scented air. There is just no way that you are the pine-scented air.

This poem was written as a satire of the overly descriptive love poetry that has been so popular throughout history. It begins as soft, romantic, and whimsical, and then takes a sudden turn as the speaker puts on the breaks and sets limitations on their romanticism. It moves from formal language to jarringly colloquial: “There is just no way that you are the pine-scented air.” This creates a familiarity with the reader, as if they’re sharing in a private joke.

“The Eve of St. Agnes,” by John Keats

She hurried at his words, beset with fears, For there were sleeping dragons all around, At glaring watch, perhaps, with ready spears— Down the wide stairs a darkling way they found.— In all the house was heard no human sound. A chain-droop’d lamp was flickering by each door; The arras, rich with horseman, hawk, and hound, Flutter’d in the besieging wind’s uproar; And the long carpets rose along the gusty floor.

This much older poem depicts a mediaeval love story between an impressionable young maiden and a rapscallion of a teenage boy (coincidentally, the basis of many of literature’s most famous romances); at this moment, they’re fleeing together as the girl’s family sleeps off their drunken revelries from the night before. In this context, “dragons” is a metaphor for her brothers, who will probably slaughter the poor bloke if they wake.

This excerpt uses dark, threatening imagery such as the sleeping dragons, the “darkling way” of their escape route, and the “besieging wind” of the storm outside to create a thrilling and ominous moon for the reader. Each suspenseful, gothic-infused moment leaves the reader clinging to the page, waiting to find out what happens next.

“A Brave and Startling Truth,” by Maya Angelou

When we come to it We, this people, on this wayward, floating body Created on this earth, of this earth Have the power to fashion for this earth A climate where every man and every woman Can live freely without sanctimonious piety Without crippling fear When we come to it We must confess that we are the possible We are the miraculous, the true wonder of this world That is when, and only when We come to it.

This entire poem is bursting at the seams with hope for a better future. Angelou makes allusions throughout to warfare, cruelty, and fear, but her core message is that these things can be overcome with strength, resilience, and love. She uses the fourth-person “we” to create a sense of solidarity in the reader, and uses key mood words like “miraculous” and “wonder” to instil a feeling of optimism and renewal.

How to enhance your story’s mood

Mood comes down to a number of different factors which all come together to create a larger, broader sensation. Here are some of the literary devices you can use when establishing mood that will tug on the reader’s emotions.

Pay attention to setting

As any writer of the gothic will tell you, setting is huge when it comes to creating the desired mood in a story. Think about the eerie feeling evoked by Dracula’s castle, or the ominous mood around a decrepit summer fair overrun with vermin and rust.

A richly developed setting can have a big impact on a story’s mood.

You can link setting to character too as a way of creating an emotional connection to the story. For instance, you can evoke a sad mood or a sense of nostalgia by sending your protagonist back to their childhood home—a place of carefree happiness that they will never know again. Look for ways to use place and memory to enhance the mood of your story.

You can read more about setting in literature at our dedicated article .

Use evocative imagery

Often, the emotions evoked in a story come from the way the writer engages their senses. A writer can create a tense atmosphere by appealing to a reader’s visual sense with dark shadows, or convey a happy mood by appealing to a reader’s olfactory sense with comforting scents of home. Although we often think of sight when we think of the word “image,” vivid sensory imagery can be perceived in all sorts of different ways.

When approaching a scene, think about the way different sights, scents, sounds, and other sensations make you feel. You can even brainstorm before you begin by writing down some images that are associated with certain emotions—which may even lead to new twists and turns in your story.

For more ideas and ways to dive into each of these senses, head over to our lesson on imagery here .

Carefully plan your word choice

The right words, and even sounds, can have a big impact on the emotion evoked in the reader. Poets know this very well, but it’s a great tool for fiction writers too. Consider things like diction, dialect, and syntax—the arrangement of words in a sentence.

Certain words or narrative styles are instinctively associated with certain moods. For instance, onomatopoeic language creates a whimsical mood in a story or poem, while words with a lot of hard consonants ( D s, T s, and K s) tends to create more of a tense, erratic atmosphere. You can experiment with the way different words, sounds, and phrases make you feel a certain way by listing all the words that come to mind when you think of a chosen mood.

Think about your story’s genre

Genre preconception also plays a large role in the mood of a literary work. Much of this comes down to how a book is marketed—its cover and its place in the bookshop. If a reader picks up a horror novel, they’re expecting to feel anxious, thrilled, and tense. If a reader picks up a romance novel, they’re expecting to feel romantic, lighthearted, and playful. If you know what genre you want to write in, you can pinpoint the sorts of moods your readers will be looking for and enhance them to make even more of an impact.

When readers pick up a certain genre, they’re usually expecting a certain mood to go with it.

This doesn’t mean you can’t invert the reader’s expectations and create something entirely different—for instance, a mystery novel that’s unexpectedly poignant and uplifting. But it definitely helps to be aware of these expectations so you can use them or thwart them in an intentional, creative way.

Mood works to elevate your story to the next level

A story’s mood is something a lot of writer’s overlook because we’re not necessarily aware of it as readers—at least not consciously. But mood can make a huge difference in the way we perceive a literary work. Whether through sensual, fantastical imagery or through precise, targeted word choice, you can bring mood into your own work for an even stronger emotional response from your readers.

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Mood is the atmosphere and emotion created through the setting and tone set by the narrator or author.

Mood Definition

Set the Mood

An author creates mood to help develop the setting of a story, the characters’ roles in the story, and the emotional response the reader should have for the events taking place. The mood can create suspense, fear, happiness, anger, or tranquility. The characters are typically impacted by the mood of a story, and it often dictates their actions. Mood should typically elicit a mental or emotional response from the reader, and help them better immerse themselves into the story. For example, in Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven”, the dark, dreary, and bleak December night sets the mood for the mysterious rapping on the door that the narrator must muster the courage to open. The reader is held in suspense, wondering what the sound is, and later, what this giant bird wants from the narrator. The mood of a story can create foreshadowing, and it can fluctuate throughout the plot. Mood differs from tone in that the mood of a story is the reader’s relationship with the characters and events; the tone is the author’s attitude toward the characters and events unfolding in the plot.

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Notable examples of mood in literature.

“The wind was growing stronger, and Jem said it might be raining before we got home. There was no moon. The street light on the corner cast sharp shadows on the Radley house.” Harper Lee To Kill a Mockingbird
“But never till tonight, never till now, / Did I go through a tempest dropping fire. / Either there is a civil strife in heaven, / Or else the world, too saucy with the gods, / Incenses them to send destruction.” William Shakespeare The Tragedy of Julius Caesar
“Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December; / And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.” Edgar Allan Poe “The Raven”

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Definition of mood

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Definition of mood  (Entry 2 of 2)

Examples of mood in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mood.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Middle English, from Old English mōd ; akin to Old High German muot mood

alteration of mode entry 1

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

1569, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mood

  • in the mood
  • mood disorder
  • the mood takes someone

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Cite this entry.

“Mood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mood. Accessed 17 Feb. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of mood.

Kids Definition of mood  (Entry 2 of 2)

Old English mōd "a state of mind"

an altered form of mode

Medical Definition

Medical definition of mood, more from merriam-webster on mood.

Nglish: Translation of mood for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of mood for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mood

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definition mood literature

Tone Definition

What is tone? Here’s a quick and simple definition:

The tone of a piece of writing is its general character or attitude, which might be cheerful or depressive, sarcastic or sincere, comical or mournful, praising or critical, and so on. For instance, an editorial in a newspaper that described its subject as "not even having the guts to do the job himself," has a tone that is both informal and critical.

Some additional key details about tone:

  • All pieces of writing, even letters and official documents, have a tone. A neutral, official tone is still a tone.
  • The tone of a piece of writing may change over the course of a text to produce different effects.
  • Tone and mood are not the same. Tone has to do with the attitude of the author or the person speaking, whereas mood is how the work makes the reader feel.
  • The author's intentions, emotions, and personal ideas about the theme or subject matter often reveal themselves in the piece's tone.

How to Pronounce Tone

Here's how to pronounce tone:  tohn

Tone Explained

It is always possible to describe the way that a writer uses language. Therefore, every piece of writing has a tone. Even when a writer's aim is to use completely neutral language—as is often the case in scientific papers or investigative journalism—the language still sounds a certain way, whether it's "scientific," "journalistic," "formal," "professional," or even "mechanical." The way a writer makes use of tone can tell you a lot about the writer's attitude or relationship toward their subject matter and what they are trying to say about it, as well as the effect they are trying to create for their reader.

Here's just a partial list of words that are commonly used to talk about tone, with examples of the types of writing they might be used to describe:

  • A particularly stirring campaign speech
  • The Declaration of Independence
  • Maya Angelou's famous poem, "Still I Rise"
  • A sappy love poem
  • An over-the-top television sermon
  • A wordy letter of apology
  • A know-it-all at a cocktail party
  • The comments section of almost any YouTube video
  • A speech made by a boastful or proud character
  • A speech at a funeral
  • A murder mystery
  • A novel about someone's struggles with depression
  • An article in the newspaper The Onion
  • A work of  parody  like Don Quixote
  • A  satire , like many skits on SNL
  • A stand-up comedy routine
  • A play like Shakespeare's As You Like It
  • A TV show like Seinfeld or Friends
  • A Dr. Seuss Book
  • A wedding speech
  • A friendly joke
  • An essay you'd write for school
  • A dense work of political theory
  • An article analyzing a political event
  • A letter from the IRS
  • A scientific paper
  • Instructions on how to assemble furniture

The tone of a piece of writing depends on a confluence of different factors, including:

  • The connotation  of the words used: Are they positive or negative? What associations do the words bring to mind?
  • The diction , or word choice: Are there lots of thou's and thine's? Does the writer use slang? Are the words long and technical, or short and childish?
  • The use of figurative language :  Is there a lot of metaphor, hyperbole, or alliteration? Does the language sound lofty and poetic?
  • The mood : How does the language make you feel as the reader? This can reveal a lot about the tone of the piece.

All of these things work together to determine the tone of a piece of writing.

The Difference Between Tone and Mood

The words "tone" and " mood " are often used interchangeably, but the two terms actually have different meanings.

  • Tone is the attitude or general character of a piece of writing and is often related to the attitude of the writer or speaker.
  • Mood refers specifically to the effect a piece of writing has on the reader .  Mood is how a piece of writing makes you feel. 

While tone and mood are distinct literary devices, they are often closely related. For example, it wouldn't be unusual for a poem with a somber tone to also have a somber mood—i.e., to make the reader feel somber as well. And as we explained above, a journalist who makes a jab at a politician might be conveying how they feel about their subject (using a critical tone) while also trying to influence their readers to feel similarly—i.e., to create a  mood of anger or outrage.

Tone Examples

Since every text has a tone, there are essentially endless examples of tone. The examples below illustrate different types of tone. 

Tone in U.A. Fanthorpe's "Not my Best Side"

The poem "Not my Best Side" by U.A. Fanthorpe has a lighthearted and ironic   tone. The poem concerns the painting  Saint George and the Dragon  by Paolo Uccello, and pokes fun at the way the various characters are portrayed in the painting—the dragon, the maiden, and the knight who is supposedly rescuing her. Fanthorpe creates a contrast between her modern, colloquial way of speaking and the medieval subject matter of her poem. Using colloquial words like "sexy" and phrases like "if you know what I mean," Fanthorpe creates a lighthearted, conversational tone. But this conversational tone also has the effect of imbuing the poem with a tone of  irony  because it is used to describe the unlikely scenario of a maiden falling in love with a dragon.

It's hard for a girl to be sure if She wants to be rescued. I mean, I quite Took to the dragon. It's nice to be Liked, if you know what I mean. He was So nicely physical, with his claws And lovely green skin, and that sexy tail

Tone in Milton's "Lycidas"

The poem "Lycidas" by John Milton has a mournful   tone. The poem was inspired by the untimely death of Milton's friend, who drowned. To express his grief, and set the sorrowful and mournful tone, Milton uses words and phrases with negative  connotations , like, "watery bier" (or "tomb"), "parching wind" and "melodious tear."

For Lycidas is dead, dead ere his prime, Young lycidas, and hath not left his peer. Who would not sing for Lycidas? he knew Himself to sing, and build the lofty rhyme He must not float upon his watery bier Unwept, and welter to the parching wind, Without the meed of some melodious tear.

Tone in Flaubert's  Madame Bovary

In many passages in Gustave Flaubert's  Madame Bovary , Flaubert's own cynicism about romance shines through the third-person narration to imbue the work with a tone of cynicism. Bored by her husband and desperate for a passionate love affair like the sort she reads about in romance novels, Emma Bovary gets involved with a notorious womanizer. Flaubert highlights Emma's foolishness for falling for such an obvious hack, who sees her as no different from any other mistress:

Emma was just like any other mistress; and the charm of novelty, falling down slowly like a dress, exposed only the eternal monotony of passion, always the same forms and the same language. He did not distinguish, this man of such great expertise, the differences of sentiment beneath the sameness of their expression.

Flaubert sets the cynical tone in part by describing, using figurative language , how the charm of novelty, for Madame Bovary's lover, fell down "slowly like a dress," suggesting that what she experiences as romance, her lover experiences only as an extended prelude to sex.

What's the Function of Tone in Literature?

First and foremost, tone clues readers into the essence and the purpose of what they're reading. It wouldn't make sense to use a wordy, poetic tone to write a simple set of directions, just like it wouldn't make sense to use a dry, unfeeling tone when writing a love poem. Rather, writers set the tone of their work to match not only the content of their writing, but also to suit the purpose they intend for it to serve, whether that is to convey information clearly, to make people laugh, to lavish praises on someone, or something else. Additionally, tone can serve the following purposes:

  • For example, a biography of Bill Clinton might have a critical tone if the author has critical views of the former president and what he stood for, or it might have an admiring tone if the author was a staunch Clinton supporter.
  • If a writer wants their readers to feel upset, he or she might use words with certain connotations to create a gloomy tone.
  • Likewise, if a writer wants to create an informal tone, he or she might make use of colloquialisms , slang terms, and everyday language to make the reader feel like their familiar or their equal.

Simply put, establishing the tone of a work is important because it helps writers show readers what the work is trying to accomplish, and what attitude the work takes toward its own subject matter.

Other Helpful Tone Resources

  • Wikipedia Page on Tone in Literature : A helpful overview of tone and its usage.
  • A Definition of Tone : A definition of tone that includes a short overview of the difference between tone and mood.
  • List of Poetic Tones : A handy chart listing a slew of tones commonly found in poetry, and all other types of literature.

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Mood in Literature

Have you ever started reading a horror novel and felt creeped out? Every time we read, we feel certain emotions connected to the kind of story it is. This is known as the mood. For example, if a story starts like “Harry was excited for his school trip to the zoo”, it will most likely have a fun and casual mood. Let’s learn more about mood in literature.

What is Mood in Literature?

Mood in literature refers to the feelings you take away from reading the story. The mood of a story affects your mood in real life! It is an important tool used by authors to make their stories more interesting and to give you a sense of what’s to come. A single book can have many different moods at different points .

Definition of Mood in Literature

Mood in literature is the general atmosphere and emotions the author wants the reader to feel while reading the book . A story’s mood is created with the help of the setting , imagery , the types of word s used, and their tone .

Examples of Mood in Literature

Humorous: this mood contains funny incidents and hilarious situations that make you laugh. In Three Men In A Boat by Jerome K. Jerome, the characters experience several comical events and misunderstandings that make the story amusing.

definition mood literature

Madness: this mood is chaotic and absurd. Random events take place and characters often do illogical things. In Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland , Alice falls down a rabbit hole and finds herself in a weird world with a smiling cat, a talking caterpillar, playing-card soldiers, and several other strange creatures!

definition mood literature

Mysterious: this mood is suspenseful and thrilling. It can also be scary and gripping, like in horror stories. The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle features a puzzling, ominous mood as detective Sherlock Holmes tries to uncover the mysterious identity of a fearsome and supernatural hound.

Tone vs Mood

Tone refers to the author’s use of words and their writing style . It shows the author’s feelings towards a topic or a character. It’s different from the mood of the story since a mood is all about the reader’s feelings. 

The mood also might differ from reader to reader, but the tone of the author remains the same. On some occasions, the tone and mood of the story might be the same.

Elements of Mood

A story’s setting refers to when and where it takes place. It’s one of the first things an author describes and is important in creating the mood. For example, a story that takes place in a haunted house at night will likely create a scary, gloomy mood.

An author’s tone shows their attitude towards the story . The tone might complement the mood. For example, an author writing about something that frustrates them might use an angry tone, to create an angry mood for the reader as well.

definition mood literature

The tone can also create contrast with the mood, to create suspense. For instance, in a horror novel, the main characters might be camping in the forest. While the tone of the passage might be lighthearted if the characters are having fun, the mood of the story might be frightening. 

The author’s choice of words and their style of writing sentences is called the diction of the story . For example, an author might use old English words like ‘thy’ and ‘thee’ instead of ‘your’ and ‘you’ to create a Shakespearean mood.

Subject Matter

Subject Matter refers to the main theme of a story or the plot of the story . Clearly, this has the most important role in forming the mood. For instance, a murder mystery will usually require surprising plot twists to create a suspenseful mood.

Imagery refers to the way authors describe physical things in a story to create a mental picture in the reader’s mind . For instance, an author might create vivid imagery of a grand buffet by describing the various foods and smells, to create a bright and pleasant mood.

Mood vs Atmosphere 

Mood and atmosphere both refer to the emotional feelings inspired in a reader by literature. But there’s a slight difference between them. The atmosphere is generally linked to a specific place in the story and affects the mood of the characters as well as the audience. 

For example, if the hero of a novel finds himself in the villain’s secret lair, the atmosphere of the place would be mysterious and dark. This contributes to the story’s overall tense mood.

Adjectives Commonly Used to Describe Mood

The mood of a story can be described using many adjectives. Positive adjectives include amusing, calming, dreamy, energetic, hopeful, idyllic, inspiring, loving, nostalgic and satisfying . Negative adjectives include anxious, confused, depressing, embarrassing, frustrating, hopeless, irritating, and restless .

Purpose of Mood in Literature

Authors create different moods for various purposes. A well-developed mood allows the reader to be invested in the story emotionally. The reader can identify with the characters and feel happy or sad, scared or hopeful with them. 

It also brings out the main theme of the story. A novel about death will have a somber mood, but one about love will have a romantic mood. This adds depth to the story and makes it engaging.

definition mood literature

Let’s look at Shakespeare’s Hamlet . This play’s subject matter deals with the death of a loved one and the resulting grief. Thus the mood is somber. Shakespeare also establishes a dark and fantasy-laden mood using setting, imagery, tone, and diction. 

The play opens with guards outside a castle at midnight. It’s a dark setting. They see Hamlet’s ghost roaming the grounds. Shakespeare describes the sound of the ghost’s footsteps to create scary imagery. A guard first speaks, “Who’s there?”. This sets a curious tone for the scene. 

Shakespeare also uses diction with dialogues like “It harrows me with fear and wonder” to frighten the reader. Shakespeare continues to develop the mood of the play, but this scene defines the overall mood as one of excitement, suspense, and dread. To date, it is one of Shakespeare’s strongest opening scenes.

Mood Outside of Literature

definition mood literature

Mood exists in other forms of media too. For movies, a similar term is mise-en-scene. This refers to the setting and atmosphere of the movie, which helps build the overall mood. Movies use sets, props, lighting, and other effects to contribute to the mood as well. Mood can also exist in music. Some song genres like hip-hop and rap can be fast-paced and thrilling, while genres like classical music are more calming and peaceful.

Guess the mood in these passages:

The girl looked at the treasure map and tried to control her heartbeat, as she tried to find her way through the maze.

Calm or Exciting ?

The man sat at the empty dining table and drank his single cup of tea. He looked outside his window at the dying tree in his backyard.

Lonely or Cheerful?

Leave a Comment

IMAGES

  1. Mood Definition

    definition mood literature

  2. Mood Examples in Literature and Writing

    definition mood literature

  3. Tone vs. Mood: Useful Differences between Mood vs. Tone

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  4. Mood Words Anchor Chart

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  5. What Is The Literary Definition Of Mood

    definition mood literature

  6. Mood List

    definition mood literature

COMMENTS

  1. Mood

    As a literary device, mood represents the emotional quality of a story that is created through the writer's use of language. Mood can be evoked through description of events in a story, its setting, reactions among characters, and even through the story's outcome or resolution of the conflict.

  2. Mood

    Gloomy Humorous Melancholy Idyllic Whimsical Romantic Mysterious Ominous Calm Lighthearted Hopeful Angry Fearful

  3. Mood in Literature: Definition and Examples

    In literature, mood is a device that evokes certain feelings for readers through a work's setting, tone, theme, and diction. It's also referred to as the "atmosphere" of a piece. Have you ever read a story that sent chills down your spine, or just felt eerie? Take Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness, for example.

  4. Mood in Literature: Definition & Examples

    Mood (MOOduh) is the atmosphere surrounding a story and the emotions that the story evokes in the reader. Any adjective can describe a mood, both in literature and in life, such as playful , tense , hopeful , dejected , creepy , lonely , amusing, or suspenseful. Every work of writing will have a predominant mood that represents the entire piece.

  5. What is Mood? Definition, Examples of Mood in Literature & Poetry

    Mood—also known as atmosphere—is the overall feeling for the audience an author creates in his writing. When you read a text and you have a particular feeling that you associate with the descriptive language, you are experiencing the mood of a story. An author will create mood through language.

  6. Mood (literature)

    Mood is the general feeling or atmosphere that a piece of writing creates within the reader. Mood is produced most effectively through the use of setting, theme, voice and tone. Tone can indicate the narrator's mood, but the overall mood comes from the totality of the written work, even in first-person narratives.

  7. Mood Examples and Definition

    As a literary device, mood is the emotional feeling or atmosphere that a work of literature produces in a reader. All works of literature produce some sort of emotional and psychological effect in the audience; though every reader may respond differently to the same work of literature there is often a similar type of mood produced.

  8. What is Mood in Literature? Creating Mood in Writing

    Mood refers to the emotions that a text evokes from the reader. When different craft elements are aligned just so, the writer is capable of evoking different feelings from the audience. Mood: The emotions a text evokes in the reader.

  9. What is Mood in Literature & Film

    — Robert McKee. Think about the etymology of mood again and how everything references back to "feeling." Mood is an atmospheric feeling; emotion is a personal feeling. McKee argues that in a story, mood is what makes the emotional experience (terror, euphoria, etc.) specific. Mood Definition Literature Tone vs mood explained

  10. Mood (Composition and Literature) Definition & Examples

    Harmon and H. Holman suggest that mood is "the emotional-intellectual attitude of the author toward the subject" and tone "the attitude of the author toward the audience " ( A Handbook to Literature, 2006). Examples and Observations From Other Texts

  11. What is Mood in Literature?

    In literature, mood refers to the emotional response a piece of writing evokes in the reader. It is the overall feeling created by a text through other literary elements to create a general atmosphere for the piece. All works of literature, from novels to short stories to poems, incorporate mood.

  12. Mood in Literature

    As a literary device, a story's mood is the emotional response a writer wants the reader to feel when reading the work. These emotional responses can be positive or negative. To create a certain mood, authors use genre, setting, imagery, and diction. How authors create mood

  13. A Guide to Mood in Literature (With Examples)

    The definition of mood in literature can best be understood as the emotion the author strives to evoke in the reader. Mood in literature embodies the overall feeling or atmosphere of the work. Authors can generate a story's mood through different techniques—all of which are done through the use of language, of course.

  14. Mood definition and example literary device

    Mood Definition. In literature, mood is a literary element that evokes certain feelings or vibes in readers through words and descriptions. Usually, mood is referred to as the atmosphere of a literary piece, as it creates an emotional setting that surrounds the readers. Mood is developed in a literary piece through various methods, including setting, theme, tone, and diction.

  15. What is Mood in Literature? Mood Definition and Examples

    What is mood in literature? A story's mood is defined as the emotional response the story creates within the reader. A story might have one of many moods, like a humorous mood, a somber mood, or an uplifting mood.

  16. Tone vs. Mood in Literature: What's the Difference?

    What Is Mood in Literature? While tone signifies an author's point of view, the mood of a piece of writing is the atmosphere of a piece and the overall feeling it conveys to the reader. While Charles Dickens's tone may be ironic, cynical, and clever in novels like Bleak House and Hard Times, but the mood he creates for his readers is dreary ...

  17. Mood Definition & Examples

    The mood can create suspense, fear, happiness, anger, or tranquility. The characters are typically impacted by the mood of a story, and it often dictates their actions. Mood should typically elicit a mental or emotional response from the reader, and help them better immerse themselves into the story. For example, in Edgar Allan Poe's "The ...

  18. What is Mood in Literature

    In literature, mood is the emotional response that a writer wants to give the reader in a creative, persuasive or personal piece of writing. It's all about feeling, and is strangely hard to put into words for that reason. It creates an atmosphere, and tells the reader how to feel about what they are reading.

  19. Mood Definition & Meaning

    1 : a conscious state of mind or predominant emotion : feeling He's been in a good mood all week. also : the expression of mood especially in art or literature 2 archaic : a fit of anger : rage 3 a : a prevailing attitude the kind of mood that fostered the Salem witch trials Nat Hentoff b : a receptive state of mind predisposing to action

  20. Tone & Mood in Literature

    While mood and tone might seem very close to one another, they serve very different purposes in literature. Remember that tone is the way the author feels toward the subject and is set by the ...

  21. Tone

    Tone is the attitude or general character of a piece of writing and is often related to the attitude of the writer or speaker. Mood refers specifically to the effect a piece of writing has on the reader . Mood is how a piece of writing makes you feel. While tone and mood are distinct literary devices, they are often closely related.

  22. 12 Mood Examples From Literature (+ Definition & Writing Tips)

    Mood, in writing, is the emotion that the author wants the reader to experience. You might think of it as the "feeling" of the work. The mood doesn't necessarily stay the same throughout the whole of a piece — and can shift abruptly.

  23. Mood in Literature (Definition, Examples & Case Studies) 2024

    Definition of Mood in Literature. Mood in literature is the general atmosphere and emotions the author wants the reader to feel while reading the book. A story's mood is created with the help of the setting, imagery, the types of words used, and their tone. Examples of Mood in Literature. Humorous: this mood contains funny incidents and ...