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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:
Scythe follows Rowan Damisch and Citra Terranova encountering the entirely foreign world of the Scythedom. Over and over they find themselves thrust into some new, totally unforeseen place and situation. First they both unexpectedly become apprentices to Scythe Faraday and are quickly exposed to the realities of gleaning and life as a scythe. Then, after Faraday's supposed self-gleaning, the characters are again taken to places they don't recognize: Citra to Scythe Curie's home at Fallingwater and Rowan to Goddard's lavish mansion. At the end of the novel, after Rowan kills Scythes Goddard, Chomsky, and Rand, the Scythedom is in disarray. This confusion only increases after the revelation that Faraday is alive. In all, the predominant mood of the novel is uncertainty, confusion, wonder, and fear as the apprentices attempt to navigate unfamiliar circumstances.
More specifically, the mood of the novel can be said to reflect the scythe that Rowan and Citra apprentice under at any given time. Early in the novel, under Faraday, the mood is still uncertain and inquisitive. But Faraday's strong beliefs and moral compass cast a somber and contemplative mood over these chapters as the characters consider the responsibilities and requirements of being a scythe. Under Scythe Curie, Citra receives both safety and tough love. Their relationship, which consists of both mentorship and friendship, often fosters a mood of relief. In contrast, Goddard creates a conflict for Rowan. He respects the scythe at first and even seems to emulate his violent tendencies, but later turns on his master when he realizes how corrupt and murderous Goddard is. As a result, these sections of the novel have a conflicted mood, reflecting Rowan's opinion of Goddard, at once admiring and hateful.
Occasionally, a budding romance flares between Rowan and Citra. This is not a major part of the plot of the novel, as both characters reject any relationship with each other due to the edict from the Vernal Conclave that one must eventually glean the other. Still, these romantic moments create a mood of possibility and joy against a story full of violence and death. In these moments the reader is reminded that despite their circumstances, Rowan and Citra are still (relatively) normal teenagers. Their young love creates an unexpected romantic mood that is only heightened by the fact that it is forbidden.
Related Themes:
