The Influence of Weather on Narrative Mood and Character Development in Literature

Weather: an elemental force of nature with the inherent power to shape our behaviors, emotions, and overall perception. In literature, the portrayal of weather does much more than depict time and place. This article seeks to explore how authors use weather as a profound literary device to enhance the narrative mood, character development, and setting of a story.

Weaving Weather into Narrative Mood and Character Development

A technique known as 'pathetic fallacy' allows authors to attribute human emotions to inanimate things such as the weather. This device is not only used to set the emotional tone of the narrative but frequently mirrors the internal emotional state of the characters. For instance, a storm may allude to unrest, turmoil, or approaching danger, whereas rain might embody gloom, despair, or even rebirth and renewal.

One exemplary use of this technique is in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' where the ominous weather of the opening scene foretells the tragic events to come. The menacing thunder and lightning are indicative of the supernatural mischief brewing and the chaotic journey the protagonist is set to embark on.

Weather as an Instrument for Character Evolution

Weather can be utilized to guide character growth or to symbolize character transformation. The literal and metaphorical journey through a harrowing storm or a hurdling rain can signify a character's struggle and subsequent evolution.

In Charlotte Bronte's 'Jane Eyre', the novel opens on a 'dreary', 'cloudy' November afternoon, reflecting Jane's life at the time - bleak and laden with hardships. However, as she emerges through her challenges, a drastic weather change to bright and sunny days symbolizes her transformation and empowerment.

Weather and Setting: Crafting Atmospheric Narratives

Weather elements forge palpable atmospheres and lend authenticity to the setting, influencing the reader’s perception of the story. A chilling snowstorm can create a sense of isolation in a cabin in the woods while a heatwave in the bustling city intensifies feelings of suffocation and constraint.

Thomas Hardy’s ‘The Return of the Native’ provides an exemplar of utilizing weather to create atmosphere. Hardy uses Egdon Heath's tumultuous weather patterns to inject a sense of hostility and desolation, which deeply influences the reader's connection to the narrative.

Conclusion

In conclusion, weather permeates literature in ways more significant than mere background description. It reflects the psychology of characters, influences their growth and evolution, and shapes the setting and atmosphere of the narrative. By embracing the transformative power of weather, an author can craft compelling narratives that resonate with readers and are remembered long after the last page is turned.