Ethan Frome
by Edith Wharton

Ethan Frome: 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
Prologue
Explanation and Analysis:

The mood of Ethan Frome can best be described as ominous and gloomy. At the beginning of the novel, the reader learns that Ethan was injured in a “smash-up” more than twenty years earlier but fails to receive any other details. As a result, a sense of foreboding and frustration hangs over the rest of the narrative. The reader knows that Ethan’s story is fated to end in tragedy, but they aren’t certain when or how and can do nothing to prevent it.