The Drowned World
by J. G. Ballard

The Drowned World: 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
8. The Man With the White Smile
Explanation and Analysis:

The mood of the novel is suspenseful and chilling, calling on the reader to fear for not only the physical, but also the moral future of humanity. At what point is it better for humans to die out, the novel asks, than imitate a version of civilization that is no longer possible in a changing world? In Chapter 8, for example, Kerans is disturbed by Strangman's collection of stolen art:

Kerans managed to take his eyes off Strangman’s face and glanced at the looted relics.

‘They’re like bones,’ he said flatly.

[...]

[T]he Admiral took up the refrain, first saying the word quietly to himself as if examining a strange object, then repeating it more and more rapidly in a sort of nervous release, his broad face gibbering with laughter. The other sailor joined in, and together they began to chant it out, convulsed over the fire hose like snake dancers.

‘Bones! Yes, man, dem’s all bones! Dem bones dem bones dem . . . !’