Previous
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 The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Chapter 8 - How to Fight Monsters
Explanation and Analysis:
Alexie invites the reader to feel the mixed emotions of adolescence right alongside Junior. The mood of the novel is thus ambivalent, mixing hope, triumph, and confidence with fear, grief, and uncertainty, often all at once. One example occurs in Chapter 8, when Roger refuses to fight Junior:
I was absolutely confused.
I had followed the rules of fighting. I had behaved exactly the way I was supposed to behave. But these white boys had ignored the rules. In fact, they followed a whole other set of mysterious rules where people apparently DID NOT GET INTO FISTFIGHTS.
“Wait,” I called after Roger.
“What do you want?” Roger asked.
“What are the rules?”
“What rules?”
I didn’t know what to say, so I just stood there red and mute like a stop sign. Roger and his friends disappeared.
Related Themes:
