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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
Mood
Explanation and Analysis:
The prevailing mood in A Tale of Two Cities is one of ominous anticipation. Dickens’s heavy use of foreshadowing prepares readers for the violence to come and cautions them about the harmful effects of exploiting the poor and seeking vengeance. Dickens establishes this mood in the very opening pages of the novel, as he describes the corruption of the clergy, alludes to the rising unrest in France and England, and hints at devastation that will follow.
However, glimmers of hope temper the novel’s general sense of foreboding. Through altruistic sacrifice, characters like Lucie Manette and Sydney Carton are able to recall others to life; Lucie’s healing influence restores her father’s mental capacity, and Carton’s execution allows Lucie’s family to live in peace and prosperity. In moment like these, the novel’s mood is optimistic.
