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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:
Despite its generally somber tone, there is a strong vein of optimism running through the play. This feeling of hope defines the play’s mood, especially in the final scenes of the play. Though Everyman falls into despair after being abandoned by his friends and family as he prepares for death, Good-Deeds remains by his side, cheering him on and giving him helpful advice. After she accompanies Everyman to the grave, Good-Deeds speaks optimistically about the fate of his soul:
Now hath he suffered that we all shall endure;
The Good-Deeds shall make all sure.
Now hath he made ending;
Methinketh that I hear angels sing
And make great joy and melody,
Where Everyman’s soul received shall be.
Everyman, Good-Deeds notes, has “suffered” the pains and torments that everyone will someday have to “endure.” However, she promises that she will “make all sure” that Everyman will be permitted into heaven after his reckoning—that is, after his judgement by God. She even claims that she can hear “angels sing,” implying that his bid to enter heaven has been successful and emphasizing the “great joy and melody” that accompanies this happy event. The play, then, argues that heaven is an achievable goal even for those who have previously allowed “worldly” concerns to distract them from worship of God.
Related Themes:
