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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 “Thank You, M’am” is empathetic and caring. While Hughes initially keeps readers guessing at what kind of story this will be, especially as Mrs. Jones drags the thief Roger back to her home, readers soon learn that she does so not to punish the young man but to show him kindness. Instead of calling the police, she cooks him dinner and gives him 10 dollars so that he can buy the blue suede shoes he so desires. This ironic twist grants the story a warm and caring tone.
Notably, there are a few moments in “Thank You, M’am” when the narrator shifts into the mind of Roger, and the tone of the story becomes more anxious and urgent, as seen in the following passage:
The water dripping from his face, the boy looked at [Mrs. Jones]. There was a long pause. A very long pause. After he had dried his face and not knowing what else to do, dried it again, the boy turned around, wondering what next. The door was open. He could make a dash for it down the hall. He could run, run, run, run!
The way in which the narrator repeats that there was “a long pause” at the beginning of the passage and likewise repeats the word “run” at the end (even italicizing the final usage and adding an exclamation point) adds to the urgency of the narrator’s tone. This is significant as it adds tension to the story and keeps readers engaged.
Related Themes:
