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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
Book 1, Chapter 5
Explanation and Analysis:
In The Mill on the Floss, the narrator’s tone shifts quite a bit, moving from detached and ironic to sympathetic and caring (and back again). At points, the narrator mocks certain characters (such as Mrs. Glegg and Maggie’s other aunts, who are presented in a satirical light), and then the language moves into a more earnest tone. The following passage from Book 1, Chapter 5 exemplifies the narrator’s more sympathetic tone:
No, [Maggie] would never go down if Tom didn’t come to fetch her. This resolution lasted in great intensity for five dark minutes behind the tub; but then the need of being loved, the strongest need in poor Maggie’s nature, began to wrestle with her pride, and soon threw it.
Related Themes:
Book 6, Chapter 6
Explanation and Analysis:
In The Mill on the Floss, the narrator’s tone shifts quite a bit, moving from detached and ironic to sympathetic and caring (and back again). At points, the narrator mocks certain characters (such as Mrs. Glegg and Maggie’s other aunts, who are presented in a satirical light), and then the language moves into a more earnest tone. The following passage from Book 1, Chapter 5 exemplifies the narrator’s more sympathetic tone:
Unlock with LitCharts A+No, [Maggie] would never go down if Tom didn’t come to fetch her. This resolution lasted in great intensity for five dark minutes behind the tub; but then the need of being loved, the strongest need in poor Maggie’s nature, began to wrestle with her pride, and soon threw it.
Related Themes:
