Tone
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
by Betty Smith
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A Tree Grows in Brooklyn: 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 Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Chapter 5
Explanation and Analysis:

The narrator's tone in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is frequently ironic or satirical. They comment directly on many of the political, social, and economic quandaries of the early 20th century. Note the following instance of political irony/satire from Chapter 24:

After Election, the politicians forgot their promises and enjoyed an earned rest until New Year, when they started work on the next Election.

Chapter 24
Explanation and Analysis:

The narrator's tone in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is frequently ironic or satirical. They comment directly on many of the political, social, and economic quandaries of the early 20th century. Note the following instance of political irony/satire from Chapter 24:

After Election, the politicians forgot their promises and enjoyed an earned rest until New Year, when they started work on the next Election.

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