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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
Tone
Explanation and Analysis:
The Remains of the Day is often tonally formal because of Stevens's peculiar way of speaking, but the first person narration also lends an intimacy to the story. Stevens's personality and professionalism clash humorously with many of the events he describes as he drives along the English countryside. There's also a subdued humor in his interactions with others: for instance, characters like the retired "batman" are amused by Stevens's lack of knowledge about cars, although Stevens himself doesn't seem to realize this. He often delves into philosophical or conceptual questions, such as the meaning of "dignity" both for butlers and in a larger sense, and as a result the tone is also often contemplative. Additionally, Stevens's quiet life and slow journey through the countryside lend the novel a calm tone, as do the peaceful English landscapes he describes as he travels.
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