Native Son

by Richard Wright

Native Son: 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
Tone
Explanation and Analysis:

The tone of the novel depends on Bigger's very particular and constantly changing worldview. The novel plays out through Bigger's eyes, and one of the book's central concerns is how Bigger's worldview interacts with the racist societal structures that control his life. The tone of the novel is thus determined by that interaction. The tone of the novel, with that in mind, is cynical and world-weary. Due to Bigger's tendency for action, the tone is also defiant, angry, and bold.