Tone

Sense and Sensibility

by Jane Austen

Sense and Sensibility: 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
Chapter 3
Explanation and Analysis:

While Austen’s name has become synonymous with the earnest romance novel, the truth is that the tone of her novels—including Sense and Sensibility—is primarily an ironic and tongue-in-cheek one. For example, here Austen communicates Mrs. Dashwood’s experience of getting to know Edward while in the midst of grieving the loss of her husband:

Edward had been staying several weeks in the house before he engaged much of Mrs. Dashwood’s attention; for she was, at that time, in such affliction as rendered her careless of surrounding objects […] He did not disturb the wretchedness of her mind by ill-timed conversation.

Chapter 48
Explanation and Analysis:

While Austen’s name has become synonymous with the earnest romance novel, the truth is that the tone of her novels—including Sense and Sensibility—is primarily an ironic and tongue-in-cheek one. For example, here Austen communicates Mrs. Dashwood’s experience of getting to know Edward while in the midst of grieving the loss of her husband:

Edward had been staying several weeks in the house before he engaged much of Mrs. Dashwood’s attention; for she was, at that time, in such affliction as rendered her careless of surrounding objects […] He did not disturb the wretchedness of her mind by ill-timed conversation.

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