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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
Mood
Explanation and Analysis:
The story is suspenseful and fosters anxiety as the narrator, Gan, reveals information about his world slowly. This mimics the innocence and naivete of childhood, which is a primary theme of the story. As Gan progresses through the story, both the reader and Gan himself come to better understand the stakes of the Terran and Tlic relationship.
The central conflict of the story's plot—the crisis of Bram Lomas's giving birth—is slowly unfolded, inviting notes of horror, mystery, and confusion. In the following passage, for example, Gan introduces a mysterious interruption to an otherwise normal family scene. As the story progresses, we discover this interruption to be Bram Lomas.
"Lien, can you stand up?" T'Gatoi asked suddenly.
"Stand?" my mother said. "I thought I was going to sleep."
"Later. Something sounds wrong outside." The cage was abruptly gone.
"What?"
"Up, Lien!"
My mother recognized her tone and got up just in time to avoid being dumped on the floor.
Butler's use of words such as "suddenly," "abruptly," and "just in time" signal to the audience the urgency of a crisis that has yet to be unveiled. We later discover Bram Lomas, and an explanation of the N'Tlic's role accompanies Gan's experience of Lomas's birth-giving. As these mysteries are slowly unfolded, Butler creates a mood of horror, confusion, and suspense. This mood reflects the larger stakes of Gan's life and how he comes to understand his fate slowly as he ventures into adulthood.
Related Themes:
