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Metaphors
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 6
Explanation and Analysis:
The mood of A Farewell to Arms is introspective and aloof due to the characters' muted emotions and philosophical conversations. The novel considers the purpose of war and especially how its bloodshed will twist people’s perspectives. Henry and Catherine, specifically, always keep the reader at a distance, only voicing feelings sparsely and without much feeling. Their numbness demonstrates that World War I has taken away their will to live fully and to love genuinely, and the reader is ultimately left with a sense of emptiness, tragedy, and pessimism.
Many characters in the novel, in an effort to both escape the war and make the most of their bought time, indulge in activities such as drinking and gambling, creating a mood of debauchery and escapism. Men like Rinaldi are painted as womanizers since they use women as distractions. Even Henry, who is the stoic friend of the duo, uses his winter leave to go "to the smoke of cafés and nights when the room whirled."
However, perhaps the paragon of escapism in the novel is Henry and Catherine's relationship. Though it is not like the typical relationships that Rinaldi indulges in, it is rash nonetheless. Henry and Catherine are quick to express devotion and love to each other, even when they know it is not true.
I kissed both her shut eyes. I thought she was probably a little crazy. It was all right if she was. I did not care what I was getting into.
Expressing these desires, however genuine, helps Henry and Catherine disassociate from the hardships at hand and focus on something other than the war. This atmosphere of indulgence and feigned emotion creates a rather hopeless and hollow mood, reflecting the same emptiness that the characters feel as they struggle to make sense of an unimaginably violent global conflict.
Related Themes:
