All the Pretty Horses
by Cormac McCarthy

All the Pretty Horses: 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
Part 1
Explanation and Analysis:

Since the narration of All the Pretty Horses closely follows the book's protagonist, John Grady, the tone largely mirrors John Grady's mindset, which is occasionally wistful and romantic but more often detached and unemotional. Moreover, since John Grady is just 16 years old, the tone of All the Pretty Horses is frequently crass or humorous. Much of the story is told through banter between John Grady and his fellow young cowboys.