The old rowboat's squeaks and creaks could be heard clearly over the still water. Jae plopped the oars into the pond and rowed. The sounds were rhythmic. The birds in the woods chirped. Jae put the oars down and grabbed his fishing rod. He cast it near the shore and seemed pleased with his cast. He put his feet on the edge of the boat and his hands behind his head. He yawned and stretched, keeping an eye on the bobber. The bobber moved with the current of the water but was otherwise still. The breeze was gentle but refreshing. Jae took it in, breathing in deeply through his nose. "This is the life," he said to himself.

Question

The old rowboat's squeaks and creaks could be heard clearly over the still water. Jae plopped the oars into the pond and rowed. The sounds were rhythmic. The birds in the woods chirped. Jae put the oars down and grabbed his fishing rod. He cast it near the shore and seemed pleased with his cast. He put his feet on the edge of the boat and his hands behind his head. He yawned and stretched, keeping an eye on the bobber. The bobber moved with the current of the water but was otherwise still. The breeze was gentle but refreshing. Jae took it in, breathing in deeply through his nose. "This is the life," he said to himself. 
What is the mood of this paragraph?

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Why do you believe this? Explain your answer by referring to the text.

GPT-4o mini · Answer

The mood of this paragraph is relaxed and peaceful.

This can be inferred from several elements in the text. First, the description of the "still water" and the rhythmic sounds of the "old rowboat's squeaks and creaks" creates a tranquil atmosphere. Jae's actions, such as plopping the oars in the water, casting his fishing rod, and then lounging with his feet on the edge of the boat, depict a sense of leisure and contentment. Phrases like “yawned and stretched” and “breathing in deeply through his nose” suggest he is enjoying a moment of calm, and the gentle breeze contributes to the serenity of the setting. Finally, Jae’s statement, “This is the life,” reinforces the overall mood of satisfaction and ease, indicating that he appreciates this tranquil experience.