1. Mood

2. 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
Mood can be identified by analyzing the setting of a story and by analyzing the character’s actions and dialogue

4. 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

5. Identifying Mood through Character’s Words & Actions
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?

6. 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.
They use sensory details, simile, metaphor, personification

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. Example Passages
Ben stepped gingerly down the old stairs. In the shadows, he could see the ill-shapen forms of the slimy creatures lurking about on the basement floor. (develops an eerie mood)
The color of the water was startling—a snapping crisp turquoise that took my breath away. Cascading pools spread out unexpectedly from the waterfall. (develops an exciting mood)
What was the sound overhead? I felt a fear move down my back as heavy footsteps moved slowly across the attic toward the ladder. I felt frozen with fright. I could not move. Who—or what—was up there? (suspenseful)

9. 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.