Mood is the feeling or atmosphere experienced in a work of literature or art.
The atmosphere in a place or story can evoke certain feelings.
Examples of Moods
Calm
Annoyed
Frantic
Joyful
Gloomy
Romantic
Hopeful
Tense
Influence of Music on Mood
Music can change the mood of a video or a scene.
Example: Different music can make a scene feel sweet and playful or create a different atmosphere.
Tools for Creating Mood in Writing
Authors use word choice, imagery, and setting to establish mood since they can't use music.
Word Choice
Example 1: "The bloodthirsty lion stalked the Savannah hungrily eyeing the helpless creatures around him."
Mood: Tense, dangerous
Example 2: "The Majestic lion roamed the Savannah proudly gazing at the creatures around him."
Mood: Calm, majestic
Imagery
Vivid language appeals to the five senses.
Example of imagery affecting mood:
"The wooden bat slipped in Emily's sweaty palms as she stepped up to home plate, the sun glaring down on her like a harsh spotlight, the crowd's piercing howls and jeers caused her heart to thump in her chest."
Mood: Tense, anxious
Contrast: "The wooden bat vibrated with energy in Emily's steady hands as she stepped up to home plate, the sun shining like a golden medal in the sky, the crowd's joyful whoops and whistles caused her heart to do a little dance in her chest."
Mood: Joyful, excited
Setting
The setting can greatly influence the mood.
Example using dialogue:
Urban setting: "All around them, taxi cabs honked their horns as hordes of people in suits pushed by on their way into office buildings."
Mood: Busy, chaotic
Contrasting setting: "Weak moonlight cast shadows over the crumbling gravestones, a lone owl hooted somewhere in the darkness above."
Mood: Eerie, mysterious
Activity
Choose a mood from the mood words handout.
Write a paragraph creating that mood using word choice, imagery, and setting.