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Definition of Tone
The tone of a piece of writing is its general character or attitude, which might be cheerful or depressive, sarcastic or sincere, comical or mournful, praising or critical, and so on. For instance... read full definition
The tone of a piece of writing is its general character or attitude, which might be cheerful or depressive, sarcastic or sincere, comical or mournful, praising or critical... read full definition
The tone of a piece of writing is its general character or attitude, which might be cheerful or depressive, sarcastic or sincere, comical... read full definition
Chapter 8
Explanation and Analysis:
Despite the fact that Solomon is describing horrific mistreatment and daily violence through most chapters of 12 Years a Slave, his tone remains quite even and steady throughout the book. For example, in Chapter 8, he describes a truly terrifying scene—when Tibeats and his white employees attack Solomon in order to hang him—in relatively emotionless language:
One of [Tibeats’s] companions then stepped forward, swearing if I made the least resistance he would break my head—he would tear me limb from limb—he would cut my black throat—and giving wide scope to other similar expressions. Perceiving any importunity altogether vain, I crossed my hands, submitting humbly to whatever disposition they might please to make of me.
Related Themes:
Chapter 21
Explanation and Analysis:
Despite the fact that Solomon is describing horrific mistreatment and daily violence through most chapters of 12 Years a Slave, his tone remains quite even and steady throughout the book. For example, in Chapter 8, he describes a truly terrifying scene—when Tibeats and his white employees attack Solomon in order to hang him—in relatively emotionless language:
Unlock with LitCharts A+One of [Tibeats’s] companions then stepped forward, swearing if I made the least resistance he would break my head—he would tear me limb from limb—he would cut my black throat—and giving wide scope to other similar expressions. Perceiving any importunity altogether vain, I crossed my hands, submitting humbly to whatever disposition they might please to make of me.
Related Themes:
