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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 Glass Menagerie
Scene 7
Explanation and Analysis:
Since all the action of the play is based on Tom's memory (made clear by his introductory speech), the audience understands the Wingfield family dynamics solely through his perspective. Tom finds his mother and sister flawed, as they are both unable to escape certain illusions that ultimately prevent them from participating effectively in the real world. Amanda clings to the memory of her own girlhood as well as outdated conventions from this past, while Laura is convinced that, because of her disability, she cannot be an active, normal participant in the world. While Tom does care for his family, he notices and highlights these traits as flaws, making the overall tone of the play tragic and hopeless.
