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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 Scarlet Letter
Chapter 6
Explanation and Analysis:
On the whole, the tone of The Scarlet Letter is rather bleak and severe—a tone that matches Hester's persecution at the hands of a cruel community. To that end, the narrator's tone is generally critical toward Puritan society but empathetic toward individual characters (especially Hester). For example, in Chapter 6, the narrator expresses disdain for the Puritans' use of discipline for moral education:
The discipline of the family, in those days, was of a far more rigid kind than now. The frown, the harsh rebuke, the frequent application of the rod, enjoined by Scriptural authority, were used, not merely in the way of punishment for actual offences, but as a wholesome regimen for the growth and promotion of all childish virtues.
Related Themes:
Chapter 13
Explanation and Analysis:
On the whole, the tone of The Scarlet Letter is rather bleak and severe—a tone that matches Hester's persecution at the hands of a cruel community. To that end, the narrator's tone is generally critical toward Puritan society but empathetic toward individual characters (especially Hester). For example, in Chapter 6, the narrator expresses disdain for the Puritans' use of discipline for moral education:
Unlock with LitCharts A+The discipline of the family, in those days, was of a far more rigid kind than now. The frown, the harsh rebuke, the frequent application of the rod, enjoined by Scriptural authority, were used, not merely in the way of punishment for actual offences, but as a wholesome regimen for the growth and promotion of all childish virtues.
Related Themes:
