Mood engages the reader with the narrative and helps them understand many aspects of a story on an emotional level. ToneĮstablishing mood in a story, poem, novel, or other fictional work is an essential literary device. In turn, if a story is set in a futuristic dystopia, readers may expect a mood of tension or hopelessness. For example, if a story is set in an idyllic pasture on a sunny day, readers will be inclined to expect a happy mood. Setting can have a distinct impact on the mood of a story.

Here are some examples of how writers establish mood: SettingĪ story’s setting refers to its “physical” location and time frame in which it takes place. Though it may seem difficult to achieve mood in a story without being too overt or too subtle for readers, writers can rely on four techniques to craft this literary device. When writers establish mood, it should be consistent with the literary work so that the mood is not disjointed from the story yet remains emotionally accessible and resonant for readers. This response allows readers to experience emotion and connection within a story, making the literary work more meaningful and memorable. Mood is an essential literary device to bring cohesion to a story and create an emotional response in readers.

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