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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 Left Hand of Darkness
Chapter 1
Explanation and Analysis:
Tone in The Left Hand of Darkness oscillates between anthropological and philosophical, dictated mostly by Genly. Initially, Genly is at odds with his environment and the people around him: his tone is anthropological but tinged with suspicion rather than appreciation. Thrust into an environment where all around him see his alienness first and foremost, Genly initially leans into his differences, reticent to open up to those around him. He trusts Estraven least of all:
I had no idea what he was driving at, but was sure that he did not mean what he seemed to mean. Of all the dark, obstructive, enigmatic souls I had met in this bleak city, his was the darkest. I would not play his labyrinthine game. I made no reply.
Related Themes:
