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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 Country Wife
Act 3, Scene 2
Explanation and Analysis:
Wycherley takes a satirical tone throughout The Country Wife as he critiques a wide range of social and sexual attitudes. Out of all the characters, Horner is the most vocally critical of Restoration society and the social mores surrounding romance and sexuality. His role as a satirist within the play tonally aligns him with Wycherley's own authorial voice. Both Horner and Wycherley are critical of those who obscure their sexual predilections behind moral posturing and the safety of institutional approval (i.e. marriage).
Related Themes:
