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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
Section 2
Explanation and Analysis:
The tone of "A Rose for Miss Emily" is filled with pity towards Miss Emily, mixed slightly with mild contempt, as shown in the passage below:
When her father died, it got about that the house was all that was left to her; and in a way, people were glad. At last they could pity Miss Emily. Being left alone and a pauper, she had become humanized. Now she too would know the old thrill and the old despair of a penny more or less.
Miss Emily's life was controlled largely by her father. His death leaves Miss Emily alone, and because of the lack of experience of being independent, she is even more isolated. In addition, the townspeople fixate on Miss Emily's financial situation. From the phrase "at last," a hint of contempt is displayed, as if they were waiting for Miss Emily to be in this situation. The narrator states that the townspeople were "glad" this is all that Miss Emily has in her possession, suggesting that when her father was alive, she was overprotected and spoiled by not having to think about issues relating to money. Further and throughout the story, the townspeople are seen saying "poor Emily," a pun on their pity for Miss Emily as well as her financial situation.
There is also a tone of curiosity, as if while the townspeople pity Miss Emily, they also view her as an eccentric and mysterious woman, as demonstrated in the passage below:
So she had blood-kin under her roof again and we sat back to watch developments. At first nothing happened. Then we were sure that they were to be married. We learned that Miss Emily had been to the jeweler's and ordered a man's toilet set in silver, with the letters H. B. on each piece. Two days later we learned that she had bought a complete outfit of men's clothing, including a nightshirt, and we said, 'They are married.' We were really glad.
From the townspeople's day by day speculations, there is a clear passing of time, showing that they are actively and intentionally observing Miss Emily and waiting to see what will happen. In simple terms, the townspeople are invested in Miss Emily's life—so much so that they orchestrate her cousins' visit. The tone is conveyed in a gossip-like manner, as if the narrator is relating information that they have overheard. Miss Emily's life becomes a form of entertainment for the townspeople, and thus for the reader, too.
Related Themes:
Section 4
Explanation and Analysis:
The tone of "A Rose for Miss Emily" is filled with pity towards Miss Emily, mixed slightly with mild contempt, as shown in the passage below:
When her father died, it got about that the house was all that was left to her; and in a way, people were glad. At last they could pity Miss Emily. Being left alone and a pauper, she had become humanized. Now she too would know the old thrill and the old despair of a penny more or less.
Miss Emily's life was controlled largely by her father. His death leaves Miss Emily alone, and because of the lack of experience of being independent, she is even more isolated. In addition, the townspeople fixate on Miss Emily's financial situation. From the phrase "at last," a hint of contempt is displayed, as if they were waiting for Miss Emily to be in this situation. The narrator states that the townspeople were "glad" this is all that Miss Emily has in her possession, suggesting that when her father was alive, she was overprotected and spoiled by not having to think about issues relating to money. Further and throughout the story, the townspeople are seen saying "poor Emily," a pun on their pity for Miss Emily as well as her financial situation.
There is also a tone of curiosity, as if while the townspeople pity Miss Emily, they also view her as an eccentric and mysterious woman, as demonstrated in the passage below:
So she had blood-kin under her roof again and we sat back to watch developments. At first nothing happened. Then we were sure that they were to be married. We learned that Miss Emily had been to the jeweler's and ordered a man's toilet set in silver, with the letters H. B. on each piece. Two days later we learned that she had bought a complete outfit of men's clothing, including a nightshirt, and we said, 'They are married.' We were really glad.
From the townspeople's day by day speculations, there is a clear passing of time, showing that they are actively and intentionally observing Miss Emily and waiting to see what will happen. In simple terms, the townspeople are invested in Miss Emily's life—so much so that they orchestrate her cousins' visit. The tone is conveyed in a gossip-like manner, as if the narrator is relating information that they have overheard. Miss Emily's life becomes a form of entertainment for the townspeople, and thus for the reader, too.
Related Themes:
