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Mood

Literary term · say it MOOD

Mood is the feeling a passage brings to a reader, such as calm, fear, or sadness. Details of place, weather, action, and language can all shape that feeling, which may change as the story unfolds.

Ways mood appears

An uneasy mood

A passage can leave the reader feeling anxious or afraid, even before any clear danger appears.

In Jane Eyre, Jane is locked in the red-room where her uncle died. The isolation and her fear of his ghost give the scene a frightening mood.

In Jane Eyre: An Autobiography by Charlotte Brontë

A cheerful mood

A passage can feel warm, lively, or welcoming through friendly actions and cheerful details.

In A Christmas Carol, the Cratchits gather for their Christmas dinner and delight in their modest feast. Their affection gives the scene a warm mood despite their poverty.

In A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

A sorrowful mood

A passage can bring a feeling of grief or loneliness through loss, silence, or reminders of what is gone.

In Little Women, Beth's death leaves Jo grieving for her sister. The family's loss gives this part of the novel a sorrowful mood.

In Little Women; Or, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy by Louisa May Alcott

How to spot mood

  1. Name the feeling the passage brings to mind.
  2. Look for details of place, weather, sound, and action that support that feeling.
  3. Notice where the feeling changes as you read.

What is the difference between mood and tone?

Mood is the feeling a passage brings to the reader, while tone is the attitude expressed toward its subject. A narrator might describe a dangerous situation in a calm tone, yet the details can still leave the reader feeling afraid.

Is mood the same as atmosphere?

Mood and atmosphere overlap, and readers often use the words in similar ways. Atmosphere usually points to the feeling surrounding a place or scene, while mood can describe the emotional effect of any passage, including dialogue or a character's thoughts.

Related terms

AtmosphereToneSettingImageryDictionSuspense

Books where you can see Mood

Jane Eyre: An AutobiographyAn orphan seeks love without giving up her self-respect.12 h 50 min readCharlotte BrontëA Christmas CarolA miser faces ghostly visions of Christmas and his life.2 h readCharles DickensLittle Women; Or, Meg, Jo, Beth, and AmyFour sisters face growing up with little money and different hopes.13 h 10 min readLouisa May Alcott
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