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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
Tone
Explanation and Analysis:
The tone of Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina is somewhat matter-of-fact yet also sympathetic. The plot of the novel is relayed with impartiality, made possible through its third-person omniscient perspective. With this all-encompassing perspective, the narrator is able to thoroughly observe and consider its wide cast of characters, instead of simply focusing on Anna or Levin.
The novel also comes across as sympathetic to its many characters, particularly due to the author's use of stream-of-consciousness. With this technique, the narrator and therefore the reader are able to more fully understand the thoughts and desires of even the most sinful characters. It is important to note that Tolstoy used this technique before it became commonly used in literature, anticipating authors such as James Joyce and Virginia Woolf.
Additionally, the narrator establishes a judgmental tone within the observant framework. The plot is filled with scenes of intense embarrassment and speculative rumors, illustrating how Tolstoy's nineteenth-century Russian society judges people harshly and gossips for entertainment. One of the primary philosophical questions of the novel is how and if those who are judged can be forgiven. For example, Anna is ostracized by Petersburg society for her infidelity against Karenin and her public romance with Vronsky. Even though her actions are viewed as scandalous by society, can she still be forgiven for her sins?
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