Purpose:
The mood in literature is the emotional state the character gives in a piece of literature or the mood of the atmosphere. When establishing a mood it is not only for the author but for the audience to feel what is being expressed. This can be seen for instance if an author is writing a children’s book the mood would most likely be upbeat and happy, leaving the reader with these emotions. On the other hand, if an author is writing a speech for a memorial the mood would be somber and reflective.
Step by Step Analysis:
Read the literature to get a sense of the overall subject
Focus on the setting and the characters
These can often give a sense of the mood (a bright sunny day vs. a dark stormy day or an old frail man vs. a happy young girl)
Take into consideration other literary elements such as diction and imagery
Once all factors have been considered think about if what you think the mood the author is trying to portray makes sense for the piece
Example:
At 96, visibly frail, and having survived multiple health scares, the queen had been in the twilight of her reign for some years. But news of her death still landed with a thunderclap across the British realm, where the queen was a revered figure and an anchor of stability.
Landler, Mark. “The Queen's Death Comes at a Moment of Great Uncertainty for Britain.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 8 Sept. 2022, https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/08/world/europe/queen-elizabeth-death-britain.html?name=styln-queen-elizabeth®ion=TOP_BANNER&block=storyline_menu_recirc&action=click&pgtype=Article&variant=show&is_new=false.
Analysis:
The passage written by The New York Times, describes the extremely sad and recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen, who was the longest reigning monarch, was also a household name not only in Europe but around the world. The first aspect of the article that gives insight into the mood is the title, “The queen’s death comes at a moment of great uncertainty for Britain”. If a reader was given just time a mood could most likely be established, maybe worrisome or solemn. As the article progresses, the author talks about the Queen’s recent agenda and although being 96 all the aspects of her role she was still a part of.
In the case of this article the setting plays little to no significance in establishing the mood because the focus is the Queen and her passing. When all of these elements are put together the mood is reflective and melancholy yet also slightly worrisome as for what will happen in Britain now.