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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:
Dickens often sets the mood through the use of imagery in Nicholas Nickleby, employing vivid sensory descriptions and dramatic, overwrought language to bring out the emotions of the reader. While Nicholas Nickleby is not a Gothic novel, it shares in common with that genre the utilization of external setting and environment to prompt the mood or foreshadow impending events.
Generally speaking, the mood in Nicholas Nickleby varies often, fluctuating between depressed, pensive, despairing, and reflective. When Nicholas finally administers justice to Ralph and his lackeys, the mood transitions to one of satisfaction and catharsis.
It is worth noting that the catharsis of Nicholas Nickleby comes, in large part, from the narrative's calculated predictability. When dealing with art forms like music or writing, catharsis tends to occur when the reader/listener is familiar with the pattern at hand—whether that be chords or writing style. When a pattern resolves as expected, anticipation is rewarded, leaving the reader/listener feeling satisfied. Dickens achieves this cathartic pattern resolution by relying on tried and true literary archetypes. Nicholas Nickleby features clear "heroes" and "villains." Given literary pattern and tradition, one would expect the villains to be punished and the heroes to be rewarded by the end of the tale, drawing a clear line in the sand between morality and immorality. This is exactly what Dickens does, neatly resolving the despairing narrative mood by giving each character what they "deserve."
Related Themes:
