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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
Chapter 6: North Carolina
Explanation and Analysis:
The tone of The Underground Railroad is often unsentimental and clear-eyed. The novel’s use of powerful imagery frequently communicates the scale of slavery’s brutalities without indulging in excessive emotion. As narrator, Whitehead plays multiple roles. His use of free indirect discourse allows the reader to engage directly with the characters, but also creates a sense of casual dialogue. The second-person, conversational “you” mediates an intimate relationship between reader, writer, and the story’s characters.
Related Themes:
Chapter 10: Indiana
Explanation and Analysis:
The tone of The Underground Railroad is often unsentimental and clear-eyed. The novel’s use of powerful imagery frequently communicates the scale of slavery’s brutalities without indulging in excessive emotion. As narrator, Whitehead plays multiple roles. His use of free indirect discourse allows the reader to engage directly with the characters, but also creates a sense of casual dialogue. The second-person, conversational “you” mediates an intimate relationship between reader, writer, and the story’s characters.
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Related Themes:
