True Grit

by Charles Portis

True Grit: 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 2 
Explanation and Analysis:

The mood of the novel is characterized by unsentimental realism coupled with a comic, dry stoicism, particularly through Mattie Ross’s unwavering narrative voice. This mood is established early in the narrative when Mattie stays at the Monarch boardinghouse in Fort Smith, expecting comfort but receiving only poor lodging.

In Chapter 2, Mattie recounts her first night at the Monarch Boardinghouse: 

The bedroom was cold and dark and smelled like medicine. A wintry blast came up through the cracks in the floor. Grandma Turner turned out to be more active in her slumber than I had been led to expect. When I got into bed I found she had all the quilts on her side. I pulled them over. I said my prayers and was soon asleep.