The Necklace
by Guy de Maupassant

The Necklace: Tone 1 key example

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
Tone
Explanation and Analysis:

In the beginning of the story, the tone of “The Necklace” is mocking and cynical. The narrator goes out of the way to tell the reader that Mathilde’s distaste for her apartment and possessions is unusual among women in her position:

All these things, which wouldn’t have even been noticed by any other woman of her station, tortured her and infuriated her.