Previous
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 mood of Donna Tartt’s The Goldfinch can first be described as haunting and gritty. Following Theo in the aftermath of the museum attack and Audrey’s death, the story takes on a weight of immense grief. Because of the traumatic way that Theo’s mother dies and that his entire life falls apart, Theo becomes very reserved and suppresses his emotions. He is haunted by day by the landmarks of the city and haunted by night in his dreams by his fragmented memories of the terrorist attack. When Theo’s father, Larry, takes him to Las Vegas to start a new life, Theo learns how to not only bury his depression but also artificially create happiness through drugs and alcohol. From there, Theo’s life spirals into crime, chaos, and deception.
Other parts of the novel have a more innocent and dreamlike mood, particularly when Theo is with Pippa, Boris, or Hobie. Each of these characters gives purpose to Theo’s otherwise aimless and haunted life. When Theo is young and naïve, he is filled with wonder by his mother, by The Goldfinch painting, and particularly by Welty’s niece Pippa. Theo remains hopelessly in love with Pippa for his entire life; despite his unrequited feelings, she is one of the only joys in his life as an adult in New York City. Boris, on the other hand, is responsible for dragging Theo down from his pedestal of innocence. Both Boris and Theo live in Las Vegas in a constant dreamlike state, addicted to the unfulfilling highs of drugs and petty crime in an otherwise empty desert. Hobie represents a more stable period of Theo’s life, where he works at the antique store and tries to make a life for himself. Though he continues to buy prescription drugs off the street and lie to Hobie about his profit scheme, Theo feels comforted by Hobie’s calming presence. Most importantly, Hobie offers Theo a warm, inviting home, something Theo dreamt of in his Nevada days.
Related Themes:
