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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
Book 1, Chapter 7
Explanation and Analysis:
The mood of The Fellowship of the Ring frequently contrasts the discomfort, fatigue, and fear of traveling across the dangerous terrains of Middle-Earth with the comforts of the various "homely houses" where Frodo and his companions seek shelter along their journey. This contrast is emphasized in a scene in which Frodo and his fellow hobbits enjoy the peace and comforts offered by the home of Tom Bombadil but remember, with anxiety, the dangers that await them outside:
The hobbits shuddered. Even in the Shire the rumour of the Barrow-wights of the Barrow-downs beyond the Forest had been heard. But it was not a tale that any hobbit liked to listen to, even by a comfortable fireside far away. These four now suddenly remembered what the joy of this house had driven from their minds: the house of Tom Bombadil nestled under the very shoulder of those dreaded hills. They lost the thread of his tale and shifted uneasily, looking aside at one another.
Earlier, the hobbits almost lost their lives to Old Man Willow, a malevolent tree spirit, before being rescued by Tom Bombadil, a mysterious but powerful figure. In Tom's house, they rest comfortably after several days of difficult and fearful travel, attended to by Tom and his wife, Goldberry. When Tom talks about the barrow-wights, wraith-like creatures that inhabit the burial mounds of ancient kings and queens, the hobbits shudder to suddenly recall what awaits them outside, despite the "comfortable fireside" in front of them and the "joy" they feel in Tom's home. Throughout the novel, Frodo and his companions move from various comfortable shelters to the perilous wilds of Middle-Earth. At various points, Frodo considers putting his journey to an early end and staying safe in some shelter, though he pushes on bravely.
Related Themes:
