A Christmas Carol
by Charles Dickens

A Christmas Carol: Mood 1 key example

Definition of Mood

The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes in the reader. Every aspect of a piece of writing... read full definition
The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes in the reader. Every aspect... read full definition
The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes... read full definition
Stave 1
Explanation and Analysis:

The mood of A Christmas Carol ranges from exuberance and mockery to dread and uncertainty to sap and sentimentality. In simpler terms, the mood changes with each stave. For instance, the first stave is gloomy as it presents scenes of isolation and miserliness. It also has a mood of terror and dread, as Marley's ghost appears in Scrooge's bedroom in Stave 1:

Though he looked the phantom through and through, and saw it standing before him; though he felt the chilling influence of its death-cold eyes; and marked the very texture of the folded kerchief bound about its head and chin, which wrapper he had not observed before: he was still incredulous, and fought against his senses.

Stave 5
Explanation and Analysis:

The mood of A Christmas Carol ranges from exuberance and mockery to dread and uncertainty to sap and sentimentality. In simpler terms, the mood changes with each stave. For instance, the first stave is gloomy as it presents scenes of isolation and miserliness. It also has a mood of terror and dread, as Marley's ghost appears in Scrooge's bedroom in Stave 1:

Though he looked the phantom through and through, and saw it standing before him; though he felt the chilling influence of its death-cold eyes; and marked the very texture of the folded kerchief bound about its head and chin, which wrapper he had not observed before: he was still incredulous, and fought against his senses.

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