Whether you’re writing a historical fiction novel is set in the United States at the beginning of the 20th century, or in England in the 16th century, below are 10 words to describe the mood of a historical setting that will help you.
1. Classic
Definition
Being of excellent standards or values; traditional, enduring; relating to ancient Greece and Rome.
Example
“The medieval Greek town had a classic feel to it, and she walked through the streets admiring the beautiful architecture.”
“Everything about the country felt timeless, from its classic style to its long-lasting social policies.”
How It Adds Description
If the historical setting that you are trying to describe has a feeling of longevity and timelessness, then use the word classic to describe it. You can also use it to specifically indicate that the setting is in the ancient Greek or Roman period.
2. Peaceful
Definition
Untroubled by turmoil or conflict; relating to a time or state of peace.
Examples
“It was a peaceful time, and everyone was friendly with each other.”
“At the time, things were peaceful, but this would unfortunately not last for very long.”
How It Adds Description
Using the word peaceful indicates that the historical setting in your story has no conflict. This might be a good way to begin your story, and then have more and more conflict arise. This will help to add drama and tension by transforming your peaceful setting into one with a lot of antagonism.
3. Violent
Definition
Marked by excessive or harmful force; emotionally agitated to the point of physical force; furious; extreme.
Examples
“The Second World War was a particularly violent time in Europe as well as many other parts of the world.”
“Although they were violent times, people still found ways to be together and have fun.”
How It Adds Description
If you’re setting your story during a war, like the American Civil War, then it makes sense to describe the overall mood in your story as a violent one. Describing it this way can also help to show how the setting may be affecting your characters emotionally.
4. Turbulent
Definition
Causing unrest or disturbance; being of an agitated nature.
Examples
“Because of the political tension, the early 1900s were a particularly turbulent time.”
“King Henry VII’s time as a ruler was turbulent, especially when it came to his wives.”
How It Adds Description
Something that is turbulent may not be causing violence yet but could be on its way. This could be a great word to describe the mood of your setting before things really start to kick off. It shows that problems are starting to come to light that could become major ones later.
5. Serene
Definition
Characterized by feelings of calm and peace; free from storms or unpleasant change.
Examples
“Those decades were particularly serene, and the trouble only started when the new king took the throne.”
“During the war, many people reminisced and wished to return to the more serene pre-war era.”
How It Adds Description
If your characters are living in a particularly calm time period, then you can use the word serene to describe it. Remember that while the era may be serene, your characters don’t need to be. There can still be interpersonal conflict.
6. Dividing
Definition
Being separated into two or more groups or parts; being divisive or creating disunity.
Examples
“Extreme political tension made it a highly dividing time, and many relationships became strained because of it.”
“Because those years were so dividing, many opinions that were previously held in private became public.”
How It Adds Description
This is a great word to use to describe a period that might be leading up to some kind of big political change. It can also help to set up any tensions that might be arising between characters with differing political opinions.
7. Optimistic
Definition
Characterized by optimism; having or feeling hope for the future.
Examples
“There had been a number of hardships, but as they successfully made it through each one, the world felt optimistic.”
“Those had been a few of the most optimistic years that she remembered.”
How It Adds Description
Many historical eras have brought about a lot of positive changes. If, for instance, you are setting story in a period like the mid and late 19th century where many inventions like the telegram and telephone were introduced, you can describe this time as an optimistic one.
8. Prosperous
Definition
Having success or economic well-being; enjoying healthy growth; flourishing.
Examples
“Although the years after the Second World War seemed like prosperous ones, the Cold War was brewing under the surface.”
“It was a prosperous decade for many, but all of that was about to change.”
How It Adds Description
The setting in your story may be one where there’s a lot of growth and development. The word prosperous will show that. You can add more tension by having one character being particularly benefitted by this prosperous era, while another struggles financially.
9. Tense
Definition
Showing nervousness or anxiety; marked by suspense or strain.
Examples
“A particularly tense few years followed the election, with everyone feeling uncertain as to what their new leader would bring.”
“Elsewhere in the world, things were tense, and he wondered if soon those tensions would begin to affect those living where he did.”
How It Adds Description
You can use the word tense to show readers that there are some conflicting ideas in the historical setting you’re describing. For example, perhaps two different leaders are vying for power, leading to a lot of tension not just between them but between their constituents.
10. Promising
Definition
Full of promise; likely to bring about good results.
Examples
“The 1802 election had seemed promising at first, but things quickly turned around.”
“That era brought about many promising advancements in technology that made life a lot easier.”
How It Adds Description
If things during the era you’re describing are looking hopeful, then you can use the word promising to describe this time period. A character in your story may be looking forward to something, or the world may expect to see a lot of peace and growth in the coming years.