"The Crow Child" by Mary Mapes Dodge

Question

How the author’s use of sensory language affects the mood or tone of the story.
For example,: "But the broad lake invited all the rays to come and rest upon her, so that sometimes she shone from shore to shore, and the sun winked and blinked above her, as though dazzled by his own reflexion."

"Caw, caw!" answered a harsh voice from the tree. Something black seemed to spin out of it, and then, in great sweeping circles, sailed upward, until finally it settled upon on of the loftiest in the forest."

Answer 1

In "The Crow Child" by Mary Mapes Dodge, sensory language is employed effectively to create vivid imagery and enhance the mood and tone of the story. The examples you've provided illustrate how Dodge's use of sensory details can draw readers into the physical and emotional landscape of the narrative.

1. Imagery and Visual Sensory Language: The description of the lake in the first excerpt is rich with visual elements. Phrases like "shone from shore to shore" and "the sun winked and blinked above her" paint a picture of a serene and radiant environment. This kind of imagery creates a tranquil and inviting mood, evoking a sense of peace and harmony with nature. The lake is personified, described as if it is inviting the rays of the sun to rest upon it, which imbues the setting with warmth and friendliness. The gentle illumination suggested by the sensory language invokes feelings of comfort and contentment.

2. Sound and Atmosphere: In the second example, the "Caw, caw!" of the crow introduces a more abrupt and jarring sound into the narrative. The "harsh voice" and the imagery of something black spinning out of the tree contrasts sharply with the peacefulness of the lake scene. This suggests a shift in tone, injecting a sense of tension or foreboding. The cawing of the crow can be perceived as a warning or an omen, creating an atmosphere that is more chaotic or unsettling. The dynamic movement described, with the crow sailing in "great sweeping circles," adds to that sense of energy and perhaps unpredictability, further affecting the story's mood.

Overall, Dodge’s use of sensory language not only illustrates the beauty of the natural world but also establishes a thematic duality. The contrasting moods evoked by the serene lake and the harsh crow create a rich tapestry of emotions, guiding the reader through the story’s landscape while encouraging reflection on the complexities of nature and life.