Literary Mood
How are you feeling?
Mood
The feeling created in the reader’s mind.
Setting, tone, and plot influence mood.
Setting
Plot
Tone
Mood
Setting
When and where the story takes place.
Setting can have a big effect on mood.
Examples:
An old haunted castle 200 years ago.
A bright field of flowers.
A rainy battlefield during WWII.
Plot
Events in the story.
Plot also affects mood.
Examples:
A young girl is followed by a strange man.
A lover hunts for the most beautiful flower.
A man in the woods must fight to survive.
Tone
The narrator’s attitude toward his
characters, subject, or readers.
Tone is similar to tone of voice.
Examples:
Serious, sarcastic, grave, lighthearted,
cheerful, cynical, confident, worried,
frustrated, dreary, cranky, excited
Example of Tone
The bright rays of the warm sun cheered us.
That big stupid sun is giving me a headache.
Mood Words
Negative
Moods
Gloomy
Despairing
Dreadful
Mournful
Desolate
Foreboding
Haunting
Embarrassing
Cold
Neutral
Moods
Boring
Lazy
Melancholy
Calm
Apathetic
Positive
Moods
Triumphant
Exciting
Celebratory
Joyful
Silly
Peaceful
Playful
Hopeful
Warm
Identifying Mood
1. Look at the setting, plot, and tone.
2. Ask, “How does this make me feel?”
3. Find supporting information.