Sensory Details:
* Sight: Descriptive language that appeals to the reader's sense of sight. For example, "The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of fiery orange and crimson."
* Sound: Words that evoke sounds, such as "The wind howled through the trees, its mournful cry echoing in the valley."
* Touch: Language that appeals to the sense of touch, like "The icy water seeped into my bones, stealing away the warmth of my skin."
* Smell: Words that evoke scents, such as "The air was heavy with the sweet aroma of jasmine."
* Taste: Descriptive language that appeals to the sense of taste, like "The bitter taste of disappointment lingered on my tongue."
Figurative Language:
* Metaphors and Similes: Comparisons that create vivid imagery and evoke emotion. "Her laughter was like the tinkling of bells" (simile), or "The city was a concrete jungle" (metaphor).
* Personification: Giving human qualities to inanimate objects or abstract ideas. "The wind whispered secrets through the leaves."
* Imagery: Using sensory language to create a picture in the reader's mind. "The moon, a silver coin, hung in the velvet sky."
Setting:
* Time of Day: The time of day can heavily influence the mood. A bright, sunny day often creates a cheerful mood, while a dark, stormy night can feel ominous.
* Location: The setting can also impact the mood. A deserted beach might feel lonely, while a bustling city street might feel energetic.
* Atmosphere: The overall feeling of the setting can be created through specific details. A desolate wasteland might convey a feeling of despair, while a cozy cottage might convey a sense of warmth and comfort.
Other Literary Devices:
* Word Choice: The words an author chooses can create specific moods. Using words like "gloomy," "desolate," or "dreary" will create a somber mood, while words like "joyful," "bright," and "optimistic" will create a more positive mood.
* Tone: The author's attitude towards the subject matter can influence the mood. A sarcastic tone can create a humorous or cynical mood, while a serious tone can create a somber or thoughtful mood.
* Theme: The central idea or message of the piece can also contribute to the mood. A piece with a theme of loss might have a mournful mood, while a piece with a theme of hope might have an uplifting mood.
Ultimately, a successful author uses a combination of these elements to create a cohesive mood that enhances the reader's understanding and enjoyment of the work.