The atmosphere or mood of a given work of literature is
defined as the feeling that this work of literature evokes. Often atmosphere is linked
to the setting of a story, as emotions are often created from details such as the time
of day and the sounds that can be heard, for example. Given the nature of this excellent
story and how the setting shifts, we could argue that a number of different atmospheres
are actually created, but let us focus on the dominant mood of fear and terror. Note the
following description as the platoon goes on one of their
missions:
The
morning was hot and very still. Not good, Kiowa said. He looked at the tunnel opening,
then out across a dry paddy toward the village of Than Khe. Nothing moved. No clouds or
birds or people.
Note the way
that the setting creates an atmosphere of impending danger and fear. It is of course
during this part of the short story that Ted Lavender is shot suddenly and killed. Thus
it is that we can say O'Brien creates an atmosphere of insecurity, where the soldiers
are constantly in danger and where death can spring up out of any
situation.
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