Analyzing Mood in Literature

Analyzing Mood in Literature

Read each passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Pay close attention to the author's word choice, imagery, and details to determine the mood.

Passage 1:

The old house stood silhouetted against the bruised twilight sky, its windows like vacant eyes staring out into the encroaching darkness. A creaking branch scraped against the attic pane, a mournful whisper in the otherwise still air. Inside, dust motes danced in the slivers of moonlight, illuminating forgotten relics and casting long, distorted shadows that seemed to writhe with unseen life.

1. What is the predominant mood of Passage 1?

2. List three words or phrases from Passage 1 that contribute to the overall mood.

Passage 2:

The sun, a benevolent eye, peeked over the horizon, painting the clouds in hues of rose and gold. Birds chirped a symphony of greetings, and a gentle breeze rustled through the dewy leaves, carrying the sweet scent of blooming jasmine. A new day had dawned, promising endless possibilities and a world brimming with light.

3. The mood of Passage 2 is one of despair and sadness.

4. The phrase "benevolent eye" used to describe the sun contributes to a   and   mood in Passage 2.

Passage 3:

The classroom buzzed with an excited energy. Students whispered, giggled, and shuffled in their seats, their eyes darting towards the clock. It was the last day of school, and the promise of summer vacation hung in the air like a sweet, intoxicating perfume. The teacher, though trying to maintain order, couldn't help but smile at their infectious anticipation.

5. Describe the mood of Passage 3 and explain how the author creates this mood.

Use the words below to complete the sentences about mood.

6. A story filled with dark clouds and howling winds often creates an   mood.

7. The quiet rustling of leaves and gentle stream sounds can evoke a   mood.

8. A funeral scene would most likely have a   mood.