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Irony
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
Mood
Explanation and Analysis:
The mood at the beginning of “A Small, Good Thing” is light-hearted. In the story’s opening scene, Ann Weiss cheerfully orders a cake for her son Scotty’s upcoming birthday. The reader shares in Ann’s happy, trusting expectation of celebration.
Following Scotty’s accident, however, the story’s mood becomes somber and suspenseful. For much of the narrative, Scotty’s parents Howard and Ann anxiously wait for his condition to change. The reader is made keenly aware of the slow passing of time, and in this way, the story’s anticipatory mood transitions from joyous to fearful. After the tragedy of Scotty’s death, the story’s mood is at its most sorrowful. The period of anxious waiting has ended, but now Howard and Ann are faced with the daunting prospect of moving forward in life without their son.
However, the mood takes a turn in the story’s final scene, which returns to the bakery to depict Ann and Howard sharing food and talking of life’s hardships with the baker. This interaction feels comforting and hopeful. “You have to eat and keep going,” the baker tells them. “Eating is a small, good thing in a time like this.” In this way, the story concludes with a mood of resilience in the face of unthinkable loss.
Related Themes:
