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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 Magic Mountain
Part 7, Chapter 3: Vingt et un
Explanation and Analysis:
The mood of the novel is defined by an overall sense of malaise and apathy. Time, as many characters throughout the novel note, seems to flow slowly at the sanatorium. With little to do other than rest and wait, the Berghof’s patients often experience time as peaceful but monotonous, with few interruptions to their weekly schedule. A scene in which Clavdia Chauchat suggests to her lover, Mynheer Peeperkorn, that his party guests have grown bored reflects this general atmosphere of malaise:
“Dear friend, you are neglecting your guests,” she said in French. “You are devoting yourself too exclusively to this gentleman, with whom you doubtless have important matters to discuss. But meanwhile the game has almost come to a halt, and I fear people are growing bored. Shall we end our party?”
Peeperkorn turned immediately to the rest of the table. It was true: demoralization, lethargy, and stupor were rampant. Guests were horsing around like unsupervised schoolchildren. Several of them were close to dozing off.
