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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 Madame Bovary
Part 1, Chapter 8
Explanation and Analysis:
Due to the novel’s focus on critiquing its bourgeoisie subjects, the tone is often cynical. Madame Bovary displays its cynicism by ironically juxtaposing high and low imagery, such as in the following line from Part 1, Chapter 8:
She made no protest though; piously she folded away in the chest of drawers her lovely ballgown and even her satin slippers, with their soles yellowed from the beeswax on the dance-floor. Her heart was just like that: contact with the rich had left it smeared with something that would never fade away.
Related Themes:
Part 2, Chapter 13
Explanation and Analysis:
Due to the novel’s focus on critiquing its bourgeoisie subjects, the tone is often cynical. Madame Bovary displays its cynicism by ironically juxtaposing high and low imagery, such as in the following line from Part 1, Chapter 8:
Unlock with LitCharts A+She made no protest though; piously she folded away in the chest of drawers her lovely ballgown and even her satin slippers, with their soles yellowed from the beeswax on the dance-floor. Her heart was just like that: contact with the rich had left it smeared with something that would never fade away.
Related Themes:
Part 3, Chapter 11
Explanation and Analysis:
Due to the novel’s focus on critiquing its bourgeoisie subjects, the tone is often cynical. Madame Bovary displays its cynicism by ironically juxtaposing high and low imagery, such as in the following line from Part 1, Chapter 8:
Unlock with LitCharts A+She made no protest though; piously she folded away in the chest of drawers her lovely ballgown and even her satin slippers, with their soles yellowed from the beeswax on the dance-floor. Her heart was just like that: contact with the rich had left it smeared with something that would never fade away.
Related Themes:
