The Dressmaker

by Rosalie Ham

The Dressmaker: 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:

For a reader of The Dressmaker, the mood both feels somber and light. The gothic atmosphere and dark comedy that shape the genre contribute to this duality, as Ham explores heavy and serious themes with witty language and a playful tone. While the plot features genuinely tragic events and an underlying sense of foreboding, the novel maintains a steady stream of humor and absurdity that ensure that the reading experience largely remains amusing and uplifting.