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Style
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 The Catcher in the Rye
Tone
Explanation and Analysis:
The tone of The Catcher In the Rye is strongly influenced by the attitude of Salinger's first-person narrator. Holden Caulfield's cynical and critical teenage view of the world seems unblinkingly negative at the start of the novel. From the beginning, Holden's narrative voice shows his disillusionment with all of the "phoniness" he perceives in people, especially "sellout" adults like his older brother D.B. Following societally prescribed attitudes of good behavior and success feels hollow for Holden, and he protests that he loathes all the privilege that surrounds him. This attitude reflects his struggle to find authenticity in a world he sees as hypocritical and superficial. It’s also hypocritical, as Holden is very privileged himself.
Related Themes:
