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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 This Side of Paradise
Book 1, Chapter 1: Amory, Son of Beatrice
Explanation and Analysis:
This Side of Paradise is written with a sarcastic and, at times, satirical tone. At every turn, Fitzgerald documents Amory as the superficial, self-obsessed status-monger that he is—in every lurid detail. Consider the startling moment of dialogue when Amory first meets Monsignor Darcy, in Book 1, Chapter 1, and shares his playful allegiances—based on his cursory ideas of honor—with historical causes:
"Of course you were— and for Hannibal—"
"Yes, and for the Southern Confederacy." He was rather skeptical about being an Irish patriot—he suspected that being Irish was being somewhat common—but Monsignor assured him that Ireland was a romantic lost cause and Irish people quite charming, and that it should, by all means, be one of his principal biases.
Book 1, Chapter 2: Spires and Gargoyles
Explanation and Analysis:
This Side of Paradise is written with a sarcastic and, at times, satirical tone. At every turn, Fitzgerald documents Amory as the superficial, self-obsessed status-monger that he is—in every lurid detail. Consider the startling moment of dialogue when Amory first meets Monsignor Darcy, in Book 1, Chapter 1, and shares his playful allegiances—based on his cursory ideas of honor—with historical causes:
Unlock with LitCharts A+"Of course you were— and for Hannibal—"
"Yes, and for the Southern Confederacy." He was rather skeptical about being an Irish patriot—he suspected that being Irish was being somewhat common—but Monsignor assured him that Ireland was a romantic lost cause and Irish people quite charming, and that it should, by all means, be one of his principal biases.
