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:
Mood throughout I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is determined largely by the point-of-view character, Maya Angelou herself. Angelou relates these tales to the reader in retrospect, looking back on a childhood filled with adversity. The mood during these sections verges on grim, particularly during the chapters recounting Angelou's sexual assault at the hands of Mr. Freeman. As Angelou ages and learns how to manage her trauma (both from the assault and from the racist oppression of American society), the mood shifts to one of perseverance and hope.