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Metaphors
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:
Gilead has a serious and melancholy mood. John Ames is writing because he knows he is going to die. As a result, death is never far from the reader’s mind—the letter is permeated with the knowledge of John’s mortality. In addition to the sadness of the death itself, the letter is also written with the understanding that John and his son will not know each other in the long run. John longs for greater connection with his son and wife, who he knows will outlive him by many years. John is using the letter to make peace with this inevitability. The helplessness of this situation creates a melancholy mood, as there is nothing to do to avoid this heartbreak.
Related Themes:
