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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 in Never Let Me Go is subdued, melancholy, and introspective—even depressed at times. These descriptors are appropriate considering that much of Never Let Me Go is narrated by Kathy, a woman intent on avoiding the painfulness of her inescapable death. Moments of hope come through despite her circumstances, though, like when Kathy and Tommy plan to visit Madame, hoping that she will be able to grant them more time together if they can prove that they are in love. These moments are few and far between in the narrative, alas. As death further ensconces Kathy, the mood of the novel becomes increasingly bleak.
As a narrative centered on the trauma of its narrator, Never Let Me Go envelops readers in a mood of melancholic contemplation. This contemplation never resolves: Kathy never entirely finds peace or a solution to her problems, aside from accepting the inevitable. She must reckon with an unavoidable, certain death of a predetermined nature; furthermore, she must contend with the knowledge that her entire purpose in life—according to society—is to die for the benefit of others. All human beings must face death at some point in their lives, but few know when or how. Kathy knows both when and how, and she must go willingly. Her story is a tragedy—hence, the unchanging, melancholy mood.
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