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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 play's mood is rather dismal, as the characters face and succumb to material challenges. The Wingfields struggle in poverty, and each of their attempts to better their lives ultimately end in failure.
Tom's work at the warehouse has no visible trajectory, especially considering the fact that his true aspirations lie in literature. Laura is too shy and perceives her disability as too great an obstacle to succeed at business school. Despite Amanda's constant attention on her children, her preference for illusion and the past over reality and the present ultimately prevents her from forming compassionate relationships with them. Her grand solution—Jim, the gentleman caller—fails, as they discover that Jim is already engaged to another woman.
Each family member is plagued by unhappiness or dissatisfaction in one way or another, and the only perceived solution to their misery is ultimately untenable. Only Tom escapes the environment to pursue his dreams, but the fact that he must abandon his family to do so saddles the entire play with a mood of gloom and tragedy. Even after leaving St. Louis to travel around America, Tom remains haunted by memories of his sister and mother; thus, the play offers little, if any, relief from its dismal mood.
Related Themes:
