Mood
The Mayor of Casterbridge
by Thomas Hardy

The Mayor of Casterbridge: 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:

The mood of the book varies widely, as it has so many ups and downs of plot, but for the most part it provokes dramatic and sorrowful feelings in the reader. In the same way that many Victorian writers used their stories to earn money, Hardy wrote this novel in installments (short sections that were published weekly.) This meant that the segments had to be exciting and leave the reader wanting more after each section was written. In order to keep things interesting and keep readers engaged, Hardy fills The Mayor of Casterbridge with lots of highs and lows of emotion and action.