Introduction
Why do we read for enjoyment? What about it gives us joy? Most would tell you it is the emotion invoked by the text. Take for example the Harry Potter series. Anyone who read it can tell you exactly how they felt at the death of the beloved Dumbledore. Now recall where did this heartbreaking scene take place. It was in the astronomy tower. How fitting a setting for such a mighty hero. Just think of the feelings an astronomy tower would invoke, a place that was meant for searching the heavens. Now, would this scene have had the same impact had it happened in the Molasses Swamp in Candy Land? As absurd as this question may sound, it shows the importance of atmosphere in conveying emotion in literature. In this lesson we will learn about atmosphere in text.
Task
In the process section the student will be shown how to identify atmosphere in text. Then there will be an assessment on atmosphere in text.
Process
In literature, the setting is the place that a story takes place. For example, Hogwarts in Harry Potter is a setting. The setting combined with characters, through the use of language, creates atmosphere. Atmosphere is the most striking feelings that you feel when you read the text. Examples:
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the excerpt conveys an atmosphere of loneliness and oppression.
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“the excerpt creates a tense and desperate atmosphere
Evaluation
Read the passages and select the emotion the author was attempting to create: 1. "The school detention room is in the boiler room. Damp. Cramped. Hot. Nothing but desks and chairs, with Miss Birdy, the detention teacher. Even when it's snowing out, you can go sleeveless in there and still be sweating. Today ain't no different. It's hot."
- A) Happiness
- B) Oppression
- C) Boredom
2. "This grand hall is choked with dust and stretches into darkness ahead, Webs hang from the arched ceiling like drapes, and life sized statues of knights line the hallway on both sides, their eyes seeming to watch you"
- A) Fear
- B) Loneliness
- C) Excitement
Conclusion
The correct answers were B and A. Passage one had the reader feeling trapped, while the second passage created a sense of tension.