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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 The God of Small Things is nostalgic, mysterious, and poignant, as it relays the tragic tale of Estha and Rahel's separation. The twins are torn apart by the untimely death of their cousin Sophie Mol and father figure Velutha. These two events create a ripple of strife in the family and town of Ayemenem, causing irreparable trauma.
The story's use of criss-crossed timelines and flashbacks creates a mood of nostalgia. The memories of traumatic pasts and the ignorance of a harrowing future fuel the uneasy mood and plot line.
The God of Small Things is also mysterious through its use of dramatic irony. The reader and characters have different information about the events surrounding Sophie Mol’s death. While the omniscient narrator knows all, piece by piece revealing details about the past, the reader grasps at straws in an attempt to understand why Estha was "Returned" and how Sophie Mol died.
Additionally, the mood of the story is poignant. The twins experience the world through innocent eyes, allowing the narrator to describe mature concepts from a child's perspective, such as a mother's love, sexual assault, and politically-driven violence. There are moments of unconditional love and frustrated anger between family members, tackling the challenges of being a single mother ostracized by society.
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