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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 House on Mango Street portrays the life of a Mexican American girl coming of age in Chicago through different stories highlighting various moments and characters, not just telling what such a life entails but showing it, along with the pains, struggles, and successes. The novel's mood is then largely one of sympathy, evoking compassion on behalf of the reader for the plight of othered children and adults. The novel's clear portrayal of the longing one has for their home country, through characters such as Mamacita, produces a similar tenderness in the reader, as does the novel's illustration of the struggle that comes with trying to make a good life for your children
As a Bildungsroman, or coming-of-age story, The House on Mango Street portrays a childlike innocence that is familiar to readers as well as the inevitable shattering of that innocence. Chapters like Red Clown, which contains Esperanza's sexual assault, have a dark and foreboding mood. After growing to care for and relate to Esperanza, the portrayal of such a terrible moment in her life creates anger and frustration in the reader, although it is ultimately suggested that Esperanza is resilient in the face of misfortune.
Related Themes:
