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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
Key Examples in Her First Ball
Tone
Explanation and Analysis:
The tone of “Her First Ball” is driven by Leila’s thoughts and emotions. While Leila is not the narrator, the third-person limited narration is filtered through her perspective. Leila thus sets the tone as excited, hopeful, and romantic at the beginning of the story. In this early quote, it is clear that Leila is bursting with excitement, as she romanticizes every detail, such as her cousin Laura’s “white fur” outfit and “dark” hair:
She tried not to smile too much; she tried not to care. But every single thing was so new and exciting … Meg’s tuberoses, Jose’s long loop of amber, Laura’s little dark head, pushing above her white fur like a flower through snow. She would remember for ever.
Related Themes:
