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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 25
Explanation and Analysis:
As the title of the novel suggests, the mood in Things Fall Apart gradually falls apart, unraveling from relative stability and happiness and into chaos. As Okonkwo's hopes for his clan, his future, and his family are repeatedly foiled, the mood of the book gradually darkens, capped off by the arrival of White colonizers.
By the end of the novel, which concludes with Okonkwo's suicide, readers are left with a bleak mood that continues indefinitely. Given that European colonization takes place over the course of many centuries, Okonkwo's people have much difficulty and pain ahead of them.
Note the following passage from Chapter 25, which in part determines the concluding mood of Things Fall Apart:
Obierika, who had been gazing steadily at his friend's dangling body, turned suddenly to the District Commissioner and said ferociously: "That man was one of the greatest men in Umuofia. You drove him to kill himself and now he will be buried like a dog..." He could not say any more. His voice trembled and choked his words. "Shut up!" shouted one of the messengers, quite unnecessarily.
The mood is not bleak only on account of Okonkwo's suicide. In large part, this concluding bleakness results from the White colonizers' indifference to Okonkwo's suffering.
