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Irony
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 Interlopers” at the beginning of the story is very ominous. The threat of violence is introduced early, as the rivalry between Ulrich and Georg is longstanding and explosive. The information given about their conflict makes it clear that the story will involve further tension between them, which creates an atmosphere of suspense. Near the story’s beginning, one passage makes it clear how deeply their hatred runs:
[...] as boys they had thirsted for one another’s blood, as men each prayed that misfortune might fall on the other, and this wind-scourged winter night Ulrich had banded together his fosters to watch the dark forest, not in quest of four-footed quarry, but to keep a look out for the prowling thieves whom he suspected of being afoot from across the land boundary.
This passage, which outlines the extent of their animosity for each other, sets up an expectation for violence. But when Ulrich and Georg eventually meet in the forest, the culmination of their conflict is disrupted by a tree that falls and traps them. When the men begin to see their way toward something of a relational resolution, the story’s mood takes a turn for the uplifting. For a moment, it seems as though the violence that predated the story might be resolved. In this section, there is suddenly hope for a nonviolent future. After securing their friendship, the men lie beneath the tree in silence for a moment:
For a space both men were silent, turning over in their minds the wonderful changes that this dramatic reconciliation would bring about. In the cold, gloomy forest, with the wind tearing in fitful gusts through the naked branches and whistling round the tree-trunks they lay and waited for the help that would now bring release and succor to both parties.
In this section, the men begin to think of their future in a positive way. For the first time, they can visualize a nonviolent relationship between their estates. This potential salvation from violence is a dramatic mood shift from the story’s beginning. However, it is too good to last. The end of the short story brings violence back to the heart of these character’s lives. The implication that they are attacked by wolves leaves the reader with an ironic and pessimistic view of their attempted reconciliation, and the mood sours, becoming violent and gloomy once more.
Related Themes:
