Mood The feeling created in the reader’s mind. Setting, tone, and plot influence mood. Setting Plot Tone Mood
Setting When and where the story takes place. Setting can have a big effect on mood. Examples: An old haunted castle 200 years ago. A bright field of flowers. A rainy battlefield during WWII.
Plot Events in the story. Plot also affects mood. Examples: A young girl is followed by a strange man. A lover hunts for the most beautiful flower. A man in the woods must fight to survive.
Imagery • Look at the story’s diction – choice of words – to determine the mood – Figurative Language helps determine the mood • Personification, similes, metaphors, hyperbole • Imagery – what are we supposed to see, hear, feel, taste, smell
Tone The narrator’s attitude toward his characters, subject, or readers. Tone is similar to tone of voice. Examples: Serious, sarcastic, grave, lighthearted, cheerful, cynical, confident, worried, frustrated, dreary, cranky, excited
Example of Tone The bright rays of the warm sun cheered us. That big stupid sun is giving me a headache.