A Rose for Emily
by William Faulkner

A Rose for Emily: Tone 1 key example

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

Key Examples in A Rose for Emily

Section 2
Explanation and Analysis:

The tone of "A Rose for Miss Emily" is filled with pity towards Miss Emily, mixed slightly with mild contempt, as shown in the passage below:

When her father died, it got about that the house was all that was left to her; and in a way, people were glad. At last they could pity Miss Emily. Being left alone and a pauper, she had become humanized. Now she too would know the old thrill and the old despair of a penny more or less.

Section 4
Explanation and Analysis:

The tone of "A Rose for Miss Emily" is filled with pity towards Miss Emily, mixed slightly with mild contempt, as shown in the passage below:

When her father died, it got about that the house was all that was left to her; and in a way, people were glad. At last they could pity Miss Emily. Being left alone and a pauper, she had become humanized. Now she too would know the old thrill and the old despair of a penny more or less.

Unlock with LitCharts A+