I’m often struck by how weather affects my mood. Usually I smile at how fiction from other countries portray England as always being wet – lately though, this is spot on. It seems like it’s endlessly raining. And it’s pretty depressing.
Writers and film makers often use weather to convey mood. Whether using rain to tug at our emotional heartstrings or a storm to create suspense or fear or warm sunshine to let us know the characters are happy. But they also use it in the opposite way – hang the sun jar a character who is upset or depressed or having characters who have just fallen in love kiss in the rain (though I’ve never understood the appeal of that!)
I often wonder if people living in warm sunny places are happier than those of use who live in a country with unpredictable weather. I mean, you can plan days out without contingency plans, you probably get less colds and coughs, and you don’t need to buy a coat that makes you feel like a sump wrestler. Conversely, I bet those who live in the warm miss the seasons and fantasise about playing in the snow. We usually want what we can’t have. But I’m sure all of us have discussed the weather in relation to our mood and have had weather in a story make us feel something.
As I’m writing this, a hint of sunshine is appearing through the clouds. Suggesting new possibilities.
I like the sound of that.
― Dolly Parton
Does weather affect your mood? Do you like how writers and film makes use weather to make us feel something?
Victoria
xoxo
Bonnie
/ May 15, 2012The weather definitely affects my mood. I don’t know when the rain’s going to stop here – many places were flooded last night. I hope that sun sticks around for you a while today!!
Victoria-writes
/ May 16, 2012It’s horrible when it lingers all day! We had hail yesterday but the suns out today, finally
Pany
/ May 15, 2012I totally get what you mean with the endless raining we’ve had here in England. It did perk up a bit with sunshine over the weekend, but now the rain has returned. I think I’m a little more tired/less energetic when it rains and when it’s sunny I just want to get out there and enjoy it. Great post
Victoria-writes
/ May 16, 2012How we Brits suffer
Lisa Wields Words
/ May 15, 2012The weather has not helped my mood lately, that’s for sure. I think the kissing in the rain thing is supposed to be something like being so totally lost in the lust/love of the moment that you don’t even mind getting wet.
Victoria-writes
/ May 16, 2012I hope it picks up for you too soon! Aw to be swept up, but my hair would totally frizz!
E.Arroyo
/ May 15, 2012There is something about the light that helps with mood and psychological health. My son was itching to dance in the rain, he settled for in a puddle. =)
Victoria-writes
/ May 16, 2012I agree, just makes you feel more positive. Aw cute
thoughtsappear
/ May 15, 2012Sometimes rain is very relaxing to me. But when there’s too much of it, it’s depressing. We’ve had a lot of rain the last few days. The first day was ok. Now I’m done with it.
Victoria-writes
/ May 16, 2012I think it’s nice when you’re all curled up in the warm watching a film but when it lingers I’m so over it!
Ladygardenia
/ May 15, 2012I think the perfect option should be when the weather would be in balance… little rain, some sun… little bit cold, little bit warm… Like this.. Oh, gosh, you are talking right now about gloomy weather but I am struggling here with + 36 degrees, haha it’s crazy! If I could I would send you little Sunshine from here…
Victoria-writes
/ May 16, 2012Wow that’s hot! We always want what we don’t have
4amWriter
/ May 15, 2012Oh, yes, I’m dependent on the sun because I suffer from SAD (sun affective disorder–or something like that). I would not do well in places that average more dark skies than sunny ones.
I think weather is huge in conveying character moods. I know I use it a lot in my own writing. Sometimes I foreshadow with weather, or a stormy day will reflect a character’s personality, or sometimes I’ll do the opposite–a sad scene during a beautiful day.
Victoria-writes
/ May 16, 2012I think I have a bit of that! I’m glad you live somewhere with the sun!
I think it can be used to good affect in books. I like the idea of it reflecting personality!
Rach @ This Italian Family
/ May 15, 2012The weather absolutely affects my mood. Winter and I do not get along. I LOVE sunshine and warm weather with clear skies.
Thankfully that is pretty much the weather we have from March-October here, haha!
Victoria-writes
/ May 16, 2012Ah you luck thing! Me = jealous
Kourtney Heintz
/ May 15, 2012I’m probably the opposite of everyone else. Sunshine makes me cranky. It’s too bright for my eyes. It means I have to slather on the sunscreen. It makes icky spots on my skin. So rainy days are my favorite. Or just overcast ones. I probably should move to Seattle. I did long for the seasons during my two years living in San Diego, CA. And the sun ugh. Though the beaches were worth it.
Victoria-writes
/ May 16, 2012Haha it’s good to be different! I wear sunglasses too, they stop wrinkles
I have hayfever so i feel your pain!
Jackie Cangro
/ May 16, 2012A lovely quote from Dolly Parton!
Victoria-writes
/ May 17, 2012Thanks Jackie!
nrhatch
/ May 20, 2012Moving to the Sunshine State improved my mood . . . and I have yet to fantasize about playing in the snow.
If I never see another snowflake or throw another snowball, I’m cool with that.
Victoria-writes
/ May 21, 2012Haha I’m so jealous!
Gabrielle
/ May 22, 2012Well, I absolutely don’t like the rainy season or winter and am always counting days as they pass by hopping for summer to arrive soon. Although I do try not to allow bad weather to get to me, but sometimes when it lasts too long I just can’t help but feel low.
Victoria-writes
/ May 23, 2012It is hard when it lingers and all you want is some sun! Thanks for commenting!