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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 Man Who Would Be King
Tone
Explanation and Analysis:
The tone of “The Man Who Would Be King” is overall a humorous one. Though Kipling is trying to offer some serious commentary on colonialism, he does so through a funny and ironic story centered on two ineffective con artists whose absurd plan to become the rulers of a foreign country somehow works (before ultimately backfiring).
Kipling intentionally makes the characters of Carnehan and Dravot silly and unintelligent, contributing to the comical tone. Take the following passage, for example, in which Kipling introduces the contract between the two scheming men:
“Would two lunatics make a Contrack like that?” said Carnehan, with subdued pride, showing me a greasy half-sheet of notepaper on which was written the following. I copied it, then and there, as a curiosity —
This Contract between me and you persuing witnesseth in the name of God — Amen and so forth.
(One) That me and you will settle this matter together; i.e. to be Kings of Kafiristan.
Related Themes:
