Tone refers to the author’s or narrator’s attitude towards the subject matter or audience. It is conveyed through the use of language, word choice, syntax, and other stylistic elements, and can create a specific emotional response in the reader. Tone can be used to convey a wide range of emotions, such as humor, irony, sadness, anger, or nostalgia, and can shape the reader’s interpretation of the text. The use of tone in literature can serve to emphasize themes and ideas, create a sense of atmosphere, and establish a relationship between the author/narrator and the reader.
Examples of tone:
In Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” the narrator’s tone is often humorous and satirical, as she pokes fun at the social conventions and behaviors of the characters.
In George Orwell’s “1984,” the tone is oppressive and bleak, reflecting the totalitarian regime and the characters’ lack of freedom and individuality.
In William Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet,” the tone is tragic and melancholic, as the audience is aware of the doomed fate of the young lovers.
In J.D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye,” the tone is often cynical and rebellious, reflecting the teenage protagonist’s disillusionment with society and his own identity.
In Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s “One Hundred Years of Solitude,” the tone is magical and surreal, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that blurs the line between reality and fantasy.
Tone can only be considered as subjective. The student’s ability to explain their interpretation in a consistent way is all that’s required. Having said that it can be daunting for them because there’s not one ‘correct’ response. Best way to check Is to make sure the interpretation arrived at is consistent with other elements of their analysis.