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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
Key Examples in King Lear
Act 1, scene 1
Explanation and Analysis:
King Lear creates a mood of doomed hopelessness in the reader. It is plainly clear, from the very first scene of the play, that King Lear behaves erratically and with impunity, disregarding the advice of his most faithful advisors as he rewards Goneril and Regan and dismisses Cordelia. When Kent makes his case for Cordelia and is quickly rebuffed, it is clear something is amiss:
Kent: Let it fall rather, though the fork invade
The region of my heart. Be Kent unmannerly
When Lear is mad. What wouldst thou do, old man?
Think’st thou that duty shall have dread to speak
When power to flattery bows? To plainness honor’s bound
When majesty falls to folly. Reserve thy state,
And in thy best consideration check
This hideous rashness. Answer my life my judgement,
Thy youngest daughter does not love thee least,
Nor are those empty-hearted whose low sounds
Reverbs no hollowness.Lear: Kent, on thy life, no more.
Act 3, scene 4
Explanation and Analysis:
King Lear creates a mood of doomed hopelessness in the reader. It is plainly clear, from the very first scene of the play, that King Lear behaves erratically and with impunity, disregarding the advice of his most faithful advisors as he rewards Goneril and Regan and dismisses Cordelia. When Kent makes his case for Cordelia and is quickly rebuffed, it is clear something is amiss:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Kent: Let it fall rather, though the fork invade
The region of my heart. Be Kent unmannerly
When Lear is mad. What wouldst thou do, old man?
Think’st thou that duty shall have dread to speak
When power to flattery bows? To plainness honor’s bound
When majesty falls to folly. Reserve thy state,
And in thy best consideration check
This hideous rashness. Answer my life my judgement,
Thy youngest daughter does not love thee least,
Nor are those empty-hearted whose low sounds
Reverbs no hollowness.Lear: Kent, on thy life, no more.
