Mood
Romeo and Juliet
by William Shakespeare

Romeo and Juliet: Mood 1 key example

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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
Act 3, Scene 5
Explanation and Analysis:

The mood of Romeo and Juliet slowly shifts throughout the play's five acts, encompassing states of jubilation and youthful passion that fade into grief and helplessness. Until the death of Tybalt in Act 3, there are no scenes of violence that end in death or other serious consequences—unlike in Macbeth, for instance, in which a major murder occurs relatively early on in the play. Instead, the play's action mainly involves scuffles between the Montague and Capulet servingmen, banter between Romeo and his friends, and the whims and contingencies of young love (including Romeo's initial obsession with Rosaline and his subsequent romance with Juliet).