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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
Act 1, scene 4
Explanation and Analysis:
As is fitting for a tragedy of this scale, Shakespeare adopts a dark and anguished tone in King Lear that reflects the plight of his beleaguered tragic hero. Even the Fool, often a source of comic relief in Shakespeare, can offer no respite. In Act 1, Scene 4, he can only enforce the worsening outlook for the king:
Why—after I have cut the egg i’ th’ middle and eat up the meat—the two crowns of the egg. When thou clovest thy crown i’ th’ middle, and gavest away both parts, thou borest thy ass o’ th’ back o’er the dirt. Thou hadst little wit in thy bald crown when thou gavest thy golden one away. If I speak like myself in this, let him be whipped that first finds it so.
Act 5, scene 3
Explanation and Analysis:
As is fitting for a tragedy of this scale, Shakespeare adopts a dark and anguished tone in King Lear that reflects the plight of his beleaguered tragic hero. Even the Fool, often a source of comic relief in Shakespeare, can offer no respite. In Act 1, Scene 4, he can only enforce the worsening outlook for the king:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Why—after I have cut the egg i’ th’ middle and eat up the meat—the two crowns of the egg. When thou clovest thy crown i’ th’ middle, and gavest away both parts, thou borest thy ass o’ th’ back o’er the dirt. Thou hadst little wit in thy bald crown when thou gavest thy golden one away. If I speak like myself in this, let him be whipped that first finds it so.
