The Stranger
by Albert Camus

The Stranger: 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 Stranger has a very pessimistic mood, although the protagonist Meursault might retort that the mood is not pessimistic but rather realistic and grounded in life, even if this isn't the kind of life one might wish it to be. This pessimism arises as a consequence of Meursault’s apathy, as well as the seriousness of the subject matter broached in the novella. From the death of Meursault’s mother to domestic violence to Meursault's murder of the Arab man and his trial and subsequent sentencing, the narrative deals with weighty themes and heavy subject matter.