Silas Marner

by George Eliot

Silas Marner: 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
Mood
Explanation and Analysis:

The mood of the novel ranges widely. Eliot makes the reader feel romantic and tender with her descriptions of the hazy countryside and of loving relationships. These lull the reader into a deceptive calm, which is then broken by the tense and serious mood in scenes of social interaction and betrayal. The incredibly thorough explorations of character Eliot undergoes makes the reader's emotions align tightly with those of the person being described. The reader feels the rending disappointment of Silas's loss of his gold, the wonder and tenderness that cracks his shell when Eppie arrives, and the deep peace he finds at the end of his story.