The Scarlet Letter
by Nathaniel Hawthorne

The Scarlet Letter: 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 11
Explanation and Analysis—Tortured Suspense:

The predominant mood of the novel is tortured suspense, as the reader waits to find out whether Dimmesdale will come forward as Pearl's father before he loses his mind or his life to Chillingworth. In Chapter 11, for example, the narrator describes how Dimmesdale's continued existence depends on his anguish: 

The only truth that continued to give Mr. Dimmesdale a real existence on this earth, was the anguish in his inmost soul, and the undissembled expression of it in his aspect. Had he once found power to smile, and wear a face of gayety, there would have been no such man!

Chapter 12
Explanation and Analysis—Tortured Suspense:

The predominant mood of the novel is tortured suspense, as the reader waits to find out whether Dimmesdale will come forward as Pearl's father before he loses his mind or his life to Chillingworth. In Chapter 11, for example, the narrator describes how Dimmesdale's continued existence depends on his anguish: 

The only truth that continued to give Mr. Dimmesdale a real existence on this earth, was the anguish in his inmost soul, and the undissembled expression of it in his aspect. Had he once found power to smile, and wear a face of gayety, there would have been no such man!

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