The Rainbow

by D. H. Lawrence

The Rainbow: 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 9: The Marsh and the Flood
Explanation and Analysis:

In The Rainbow, Lawrence focuses more on the complex inner lives of characters than on external events. As a result, the mood of the novel is passionate and emotional, balanced between moments of agony and bliss. In particular, Lawrence emphasizes these contrasting emotions; scenes of personal triumph are tinged with melancholy, and characters struggle to understand their own feelings. Some time after the marriage of Anna, for example, Tom finds himself a successful man, enjoying the respectable status of a gentleman-farmer. Nevertheless, he feels overwhelmed by a sense of agony that he cannot easily put into words: 

He smoked and read and fidgeted, hearing always the trickling of water outside. This wet, black night seemed to cut him off and make him unsettled, aware of himself, aware that he wanted something else, aware that he was scarcely living. There seemed to him to be no root to his life, no place for him to get satisfied in. He dreamed of going abroad. But his instinct knew that change of place would not solve his problem. He wanted change, deep, vital change of living. And he did not know how to get it.