Mood Introductory video Tone and Mood in Literature
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Mood Introductory video: “Tone and Mood in Literature” http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=j. DUh. DV-72 S 0
Why Mood Matters • Mood is an important literary element because it influences the way readers feel about what they are reading. • Mood can draw a reader into a story and can compel a reader to continue to read.
Mood Definition: • The feeling or impression the author creates with his writing • Also refers to the feelings the reader has about the characters or setting in a story
Identifying mood, in general Mood can be identified by analyzing: The setting of a story The character’s actions and dialogue
Identifying Mood through Analyzing Setting • Writers often select/create a setting that will impart the mood they wish to instill in their readers • Writers will use a variety of imagery devices to vividly describe the setting so that readers can picture in their minds how the setting looks, smells, sounds, etc. : sensory details!
Identifying Mood through Character’s Words & Actions Readers need to recognize/analyze the following: • Situation in which the character is involved • Character’s reactions to the situation • Character’s reactions to other characters • Character’s body language • Character’s tone of voice • What the characters say to and about others • The character’s thoughts and emotions
Words to Describe Mood • Just about any word that can describe an emotion can describe the mood in a story. The following list is just some examples: Cheerful Tense Terror Melancholy Humorous Dark Apprehensive Romantic Peaceful Scary Ominous Lonely Light suspenseful Anxious Sad Dreary Violent Mysterious Exciting Calm Cold Angry Fearful
Steps to Identifying Mood • Identify the situation—what is the character doing? • Find the key words and phrases that show the character’s reactions to the situation • Ask yourself: What mood is shown by the character’s reactions?
Closing Video • “Mood in Literature” http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=IIt. Gdq. Apj. Q&feature=related
