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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 mood of My Brilliant Career is mostly reflective, bittersweet, and introspective, evoking a wide range of emotions within the reader as the story unfolds. At the beginning of the novel, the story is infused with optimism and youthful energy, mirroring the young Sybylla's dreams and aspirations. The reader gets a sense of emotional engagement, fun, and lightness. However, this is usually accompanied by moments of unnerving foreshadowing, as the older “narrator” Sybylla references future difficulties. Through this method, Franklin skillfully plants seeds of uncertainty, hinting at the hardships to come. It heightens the reader's curiosity and emotional investment in Sybylla’s story.
As the narrative progresses, the mood evolves to reflect Sybylla's growing sense of jadedness and disappointment. The reader is intimately drawn into Sybylla's highs and lows, feeling the weight of her frustrations and dashed hopes. This connection to Sybylla's emotional journey pushes the reader to empathize with her. They experience a range of emotions alongside her as she goes through hope, loss, and heartbreak. They are also brought along with Sybylla as she battles difficult circumstances in her search for independence and fulfillment. Franklin dwells on her tenaciousness as much as her tragedies.
Towards the conclusion of My Brilliant Career, the mood becomes more complex and confusing. The reader experiences pride for Sybylla's achievements and witnesses her developing maturity and strength. However, this is coupled with sadness for her predicament, as her strength comes from all the adversities she has faced. This combination of emotions further enriches the bittersweet mood of the end of the novel, leaving the reader feeling introspective and contemplative.
Related Themes:
