Atmosphere - Academic Mode

Definition of Atmosphere
A literary technique, atmosphere is a type of feeling readers get from a narrative based on details such as setting, background, objects, and premonition. A mood can serve as a means of creating atmosphere. In literary works, atmosphere refers to emotions or feelings an author conveys to his readers by describing objects and attitudes, as in J. Rowling's Harry Potter stories, in which she creates a quirky and exciting atmosphere. Remember that the atmosphere in a literary play can vary.

Difference Between Atmosphere and Mood
Many people use the two terms interchangeably as there is no specific difference between them. In the literature, however, we find a slight difference. This is because atmosphere is a broader term and can be determined by a specific location, e.g. theater.

However, mood is a more specific and narrow term that affects the emotions of a particular individual or group of individuals and does not include the Emotions or feelings that radiate in a venue. Mood is simply about inner feelings, while there is atmosphere in a certain place. In addition, a mood helps build the entire atmosphere of a narrative.

Examples of Atmosphere in Literature
Example # 1: An Unspoken Hunger (by Terry Tempest Williams)
neatly in the middle, twisted and then separated from the large wooden hole. With the meaty green jars in hand, we cut vertical strips from one end to the other. Vegetable planks. We smother avocado with salsa, hot chili peppers at noon in the desert. We looked at each other and smiled, eating avocados with sharp silver leaves, repeatedly risking the blood on our tongues ”.

Here, Williams creates a dangerous atmosphere, where he presents the dangers of knives and avocados. In fact, when an author tries to establish the atmosphere through the use of objects, these objects represent tacit reality. Additionally, the appearance of two characters also adds to a sexually charged atmosphere.

Example # 2: The Vision (by Dean Koontz)
“The woman raised her hands and stared at them; she looked through them. Her voice was gentle but strained. "Blood on his hands." Her own hands were clean and pale. »

When we read these lines, they instantly remind us of an emotional reaction and attract our attention. This is exactly what the atmosphere does in a literary work.

Example 3: The Raven (by Edgar Allen Poe)
“It was once bleak at midnight while I was thinking weakly and tiredly. Suddenly there was a knock,
As someone knocked gently and knocked on my chamber door -
“It's a visitor”, I muttered, “knocked on my chamber door -
Only this and nothing more.” The reader is gripping and exciting because he anticipates horror based on feelings in the narrative. As we can see, this character hears the knock on the door and when opening it does not find anyone there, only darkness; Make the atmosphere anxious and tense.

Example 4: A Tale of Two Cities (by Charles Dickens)
Charles Dickens creates an important atmosphere in A Tale of Two Cities when a major event occurs in a plot. For example, we see a ghostly mood of the entrance of a messenger at the Dover Post office, pointing to things of the future. Then, through the actions of his characters, Dickens builds an atmosphere in the Dr Manetas room.

In this context, the author gives these places attributes with different concepts and ideas. For example, when Jerry looks for Dover Mail to get his message across to Mr. Lorry, Dickens creates a somber and mysterious atmosphere that alludes to the darker ending. Another kind of atmosphere that we see in the courtroom towards the end. During the scene, you would notice the public looking for victims and humming for them.This is how Dickens associates the atmosphere of this place with death.

Function of the atmosphere
The purpose of creating an atmosphere is to create emotional effects. This makes a literary work come alive, fascinating and interesting by engaging the audience more. It appeals to readers' senses by making the story more real, allowing them to easily grasp the idea. Since the atmosphere makes the audience feel vicarious, writers can convey harsh feelings less harshly. The writers control the impact of the prevailing atmosphere by changing the description of settings and objects.