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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 God of Small Things is very unique in how it conveys conflicting tones through the use of a third-person omniscient perspective. In some moments, the tone is all-knowing, as the narrator can speak for all characters. The narrator understands and remembers what happened on the day of Sophie Mol’s death long before the reader does. Through free indirect discourse, the narrator is able to share all of the characters' thoughts without breaking the flow of narration. However, in other moments, the tone is very innocent and perhaps ignorant. When the narrator shifts into the minds of Estha and Rahel, the reader sees the world through the children's eyes. In their minds, inanimate objects are brought to life, small arguments become life-ending, and tragedy becomes misconstrued.
The tone is also rebellious and mildly dangerous. Ammu is not afraid to break the Love Laws in pursuit of her own happiness and freedom. Velutha is not afraid to march with the Marxists in pursuit of his political beliefs. And the police officers are not concerned with fairness or mercy in their execution of justice on Velutha. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, many characters play a role in Sophie Mol and Velutha's deaths: Vellya Paapen gives up his own son, Margaret leaves her daughter for the weekend, Estha and Rahel take Sophie Mol on a dangerous boat ride, and Baby Kochamma betrays everyone to save her reputation. Danger and rebellion are afoot in Ayemenem.
Related Themes:
