Introduction to Tone and Mood
Authors set a TONE or MOOD in literature by conveying emotions through words
TONE is the author's attitude toward the subject, or the character. Tone is conveyed, or communicated through the author's words and details. We can use context clues to help determine the author's tone.
In literature an author sets the tone through words. The possible tones are as endless as the number of possible emotions a human being can have. Has anyone ever said to you, "Don't use that tone of voice with me?" Your tone can change the meaning of what you say. Tone can turn a statement like, "You're a big help!" into a genuine compliment or a cruel sarcastic remark. It depends on the context of the story. A work of writing can have more than one tone. An example of tone could be both serious and humorous. MOOD is the general atmosphere created by the author’s words. It's the emotions that you feel while you are reading. Some literature makes you feel sad, others joyful, still others, angry. Writers use many devices to create mood including word choice, imagery, dialogue, setting, and plot. Often a writer creates a mood at the beginning of the story and continues it to the end. However, sometimes the mood changes because of the plot or changes in characters. |
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