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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
Chapter 1
Explanation and Analysis:
In line with the genre of sentimental novel, The Vicar of Wakefield has an idyllic and at times melodramatic mood. This mood is shaped by Dr. Primrose's voice as narrator. Always maintaining an earnest tone, he imbues the novel with seriousness, sensitivity, and sentimentality. Nevertheless, the mood shifts over the course of the novel's action.
In the first chapters, Dr. Primrose sets up the story with a pleasant, idyllic mood.
We had an elegant house, situated in a fine country, and a good neighbourhood. The year was spent in moral or rural amusements; in visiting our rich neighbours, and relieving such as were poor. We had no revolutions to fear, nor fatigues to undergo; all our adventures were by the fire-side, and all our migrations from the blue bed to the brown.
The mood in this portion is aimed at giving the reader a sense of the family's harmonious contentment. They have nothing to wish for or complain about, and their greatest pleasure is each other's company.
Not long after Dr. Primrose has concluded his expositional descriptions, the Primrose family begins to face the long series of trials and tribulations that will follow them throughout the novel. At first, these struggles do not seriously alter the mood, because Dr. Primrose and his family members stay strong in the face of adversity. However, around the middle of the novel, the mood begins to grow melodramatic. This shift can be located in the 17th chapter, when Olivia has run away with her seducer.
Yes, the wretched creature shall be welcome to this heart and this house, tho’ stained with ten thousand vices. I will again hearken to the music of her voice, again will I hang fondly on her bosom, if I find but repentance there. [...] I will pursue her, wherever she is, and tho’ I cannot save her from shame, I may prevent the continuance of iniquity.
Continuing as the family's sorrows increase, this melodramatic mood comes to a head when Dr. Primrose is imprisoned, Olivia supposedly dies, and Sophia is abducted. In the final chapter, there is finally a return to the same idyllic mood of the first chapter. As the family gathers around the hearth together, Dr. Primrose experiences perfect contentment, and all that is left for him to wish for is the ability to never take his good fortune for granted.
Chapter 17
Explanation and Analysis:
In line with the genre of sentimental novel, The Vicar of Wakefield has an idyllic and at times melodramatic mood. This mood is shaped by Dr. Primrose's voice as narrator. Always maintaining an earnest tone, he imbues the novel with seriousness, sensitivity, and sentimentality. Nevertheless, the mood shifts over the course of the novel's action.
In the first chapters, Dr. Primrose sets up the story with a pleasant, idyllic mood.
We had an elegant house, situated in a fine country, and a good neighbourhood. The year was spent in moral or rural amusements; in visiting our rich neighbours, and relieving such as were poor. We had no revolutions to fear, nor fatigues to undergo; all our adventures were by the fire-side, and all our migrations from the blue bed to the brown.
The mood in this portion is aimed at giving the reader a sense of the family's harmonious contentment. They have nothing to wish for or complain about, and their greatest pleasure is each other's company.
Not long after Dr. Primrose has concluded his expositional descriptions, the Primrose family begins to face the long series of trials and tribulations that will follow them throughout the novel. At first, these struggles do not seriously alter the mood, because Dr. Primrose and his family members stay strong in the face of adversity. However, around the middle of the novel, the mood begins to grow melodramatic. This shift can be located in the 17th chapter, when Olivia has run away with her seducer.
Yes, the wretched creature shall be welcome to this heart and this house, tho’ stained with ten thousand vices. I will again hearken to the music of her voice, again will I hang fondly on her bosom, if I find but repentance there. [...] I will pursue her, wherever she is, and tho’ I cannot save her from shame, I may prevent the continuance of iniquity.
Continuing as the family's sorrows increase, this melodramatic mood comes to a head when Dr. Primrose is imprisoned, Olivia supposedly dies, and Sophia is abducted. In the final chapter, there is finally a return to the same idyllic mood of the first chapter. As the family gathers around the hearth together, Dr. Primrose experiences perfect contentment, and all that is left for him to wish for is the ability to never take his good fortune for granted.
