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Style
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 Ethan Frome
Chapter 4
Explanation and Analysis:
For the most part, the tone of Ethan Frome closely aligns with the novel’s bleak and melancholy mood. Wharton’s poetic style, which includes extensive figurative language and eloquent descriptions of nature, evokes feelings of sorrow and loneliness in the reader and contributes to a somber character. At some points, however, Wharton’s tone is better characterized as critical and sarcastic. Although the reader is ostensibly meant to root for Ethan and Mattie and mourn their tragic fate, Wharton’s tone at times suggests that she is not entirely sympathetic to them.
Related Themes:
Chapter 7
Explanation and Analysis:
For the most part, the tone of Ethan Frome closely aligns with the novel’s bleak and melancholy mood. Wharton’s poetic style, which includes extensive figurative language and eloquent descriptions of nature, evokes feelings of sorrow and loneliness in the reader and contributes to a somber character. At some points, however, Wharton’s tone is better characterized as critical and sarcastic. Although the reader is ostensibly meant to root for Ethan and Mattie and mourn their tragic fate, Wharton’s tone at times suggests that she is not entirely sympathetic to them.
Related Themes:
