Monday, March 18, 2013

What is the tone and mood in The Swiss Family Robinson?

The tone of a novel represents the author’s attitude toward the subject. In The Swiss Family Robinson, Johann Wyss presents a family who bravely and cheerfully accepts the adventures (and dangers) that are thrust upon them. Despair is no place to be seen as the family accepts their shipwrecked situation and sets out to survive and even thrive on the island. Their ingenuity portrays them as intelligent and creative in making their new home (with little thought of an attempted rescue) into a comfortable place, with a series of abodes around the island. The religious faith of the family provides a didactic opportunity for the author to instill lessons in faith in the midst of hard times, especially in dealing with others and kindness to animals.


The mood (which is what the author wants the reader to feel during the reading) is thus hopeful and cheerful. Danger does not seem to be a serious threat in the eyes of the family. The excitement is limited to how each family member diligently works to meet their needs and desires. There is no serious conflict among the people on the island, so the presentation of a “realistic” experience is not the purpose.

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