The Nightingale and the Rose
by Oscar Wilde

The Nightingale and the Rose: 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

Key Examples in The Nightingale and the Rose

Mood
Explanation and Analysis:

The mood of "The Nightingale and the Rose" is initially whimsical and romantic but becomes sadder and more cynical by the end. At the beginning of the story, readers are immersed in a romantic fairy-tale landscape where birds converse with trees and the biggest sorrows have to do with broken hearts. The Student, for instance, is a woebegone lover whose happiness depends on finding a red rose to give to his lover. The Nightingale describes him like this:

"Here at last is a true lover... Night after night have I sung of him, though I knew him not: night after night have I told his story to the stars, and now I see him. His hair is dark as the hyacinth-blossom, and his lips are red as the rose of his desire; but passion has made his face like pale ivory, and sorrow has set her seal upon his brow."