1. Mood
Introductory video: “Tone and Mood in Literature”

2. Why Mood Matters
Mood is an important literary element because it influences the way readers feel about what they are reading.
Mood can draw a reader into a story and can compel a reader to continue to read.

3. Mood
Definition:
The feeling or impression the author creates with his writing
Also refers to the feelings the reader has about the characters or setting in a story

4. Identifying mood, in general
Mood can be identified by analyzing:
The setting of a story
The character’s actions and dialogue

5. Identifying Mood through Analyzing Setting
Writers often select/create a setting that will impart the mood they wish to instill in their readers
Writers will use a variety of imagery devices to vividly describe the setting so that readers can picture in their minds how the setting looks, smells, sounds, etc.: sensory details!

6. Identifying Mood through Character’s Words & Actions
Readers need to recognize/analyze the following:
Situation in which the character is involved
Character’s reactions to the situation
Character’s reactions to other characters
Character’s body language
Character’s tone of voice
What the characters say to and about others
The character’s thoughts and emotions

7. Words to Describe Mood
Just about any word that can describe an emotion can describe the mood in a story. The following list is just some examples:
Cheerful
Humorous
Peaceful
Light
Tense
Dark
Scary
suspenseful
Terror
Apprehensive
Ominous
Anxious
Melancholy
Romantic
Lonely
Sad
Dreary
Mysterious
Calm
Angry
Violent
Exciting
Cold
Fearful

8. Steps to Identifying Mood
Identify the situation—what is the character doing?
Find the key words and phrases that show the character’s reactions to the situation
Ask yourself: What mood is shown by the character’s reactions?

9. Closing Video
“Mood in Literature”