Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

by Lewis Carroll

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland: 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
Chapter 5 - Advice from a Caterpillar
Explanation and Analysis:

The prevailing mood of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is one of curiosity. As the title suggests, it creates great wonderment in the reader. The reader's curiosity parallels Alice's; every time she meets a new character, readers must readjust their expectations of Wonderland. Sometimes the mood is a bit darker, as when Alice speaks to the Caterpillar in Chapter 5:

“I’m afraid I can’t put it more clearly,” Alice replied, very politely, “for I can’t understand it myself, to begin with; and being so many different sizes in a day is very confusing.”

“It isn’t,” said the Caterpillar.

“It isn’t,” said the Caterpillar. “Well, perhaps you haven’t found it so yet,” said Alice; “but when you have to turn into a chrysalis—you will some day, you know—and then after that into a butterfly, I should think you’ll feel it a little queer, won’t you?”