The Great Gatsby

by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby: 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
Chapter 1
Explanation and Analysis:

The mood of The Great Gatsby is whimsical and hopeful but also somber and pessimistic. When the novel begins, Nick’s reverent tone and lush descriptions of his surroundings convey a sense of optimism. In Chapter 1, he introduces Jay Gatsby in the following way:

If personality is an unbroken series of successful gestures, then there was something gorgeous about [Gatsby], some heightened sensitivity to the promises of life, as if he were related to one of those intricate machines that register earthquakes ten thousand miles away.

Chapter 3
Explanation and Analysis:

The mood of The Great Gatsby is whimsical and hopeful but also somber and pessimistic. When the novel begins, Nick’s reverent tone and lush descriptions of his surroundings convey a sense of optimism. In Chapter 1, he introduces Jay Gatsby in the following way:

If personality is an unbroken series of successful gestures, then there was something gorgeous about [Gatsby], some heightened sensitivity to the promises of life, as if he were related to one of those intricate machines that register earthquakes ten thousand miles away.

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Chapter 9
Explanation and Analysis:

The mood of The Great Gatsby is whimsical and hopeful but also somber and pessimistic. When the novel begins, Nick’s reverent tone and lush descriptions of his surroundings convey a sense of optimism. In Chapter 1, he introduces Jay Gatsby in the following way:

If personality is an unbroken series of successful gestures, then there was something gorgeous about [Gatsby], some heightened sensitivity to the promises of life, as if he were related to one of those intricate machines that register earthquakes ten thousand miles away.

Unlock with LitCharts A+