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Style
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 Turn of the Screw
Tone
Explanation and Analysis:
The tone of The Turn of the Screw shifts as the narrative advances. The novella opens with a tone full of intrigue, fascination, and some trepidation, as the unnamed narrator recounts the excitement that he and his friends felt as they prepared to hear the ghost story about the governess while sitting around a fire on Christmas Eve. In keeping with the fact that this group of friends has gathered around the fire specifically to tell scary stories, the language is engrossing and exciting, as the narrator notes that everyone is "held" by the fire "sufficiently breathless"—a phrase that speaks to the fearful excitement at play in this opening scene.
Related Themes:
