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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
Chapters 43–58
Explanation and Analysis:
The tone of W. Somerset Maugham's The Moon and Sixpence is both critical and self-reflective. While the narrator admires Strickland's capacity as an artist, he is not afraid to contemplate the consequences of Strickland's actions in pursuit of art. As a result, the tone is also moral, with a strong focus on societal expectations.
The narrator comes to the reflective conclusion that a disregard for morality and conformity can lead to the truest form of artistic expression. This conclusion, though, continues to puzzle the narrator, who is searching for his own artistic actualization both by tracing Strickland's steps and writing this story. Throughout the novel, the narrator deeply admires Strickland's artistry and audacity. By writing this portrait of Strickland, the narrator hopes that he can crack Strickland's secret for greatness and be an artist of the same authentic caliber. But despite the narrator's efforts, he ultimately fails to uncover Strickland's secret:
At last I turned away. I felt that Strickland had kept his secret to the grave.
Even after viewing one of Strickland's last and most poignant paintings, the narrator cannot seem to understand Strickland's vision. This sense of frustration plays into the self-reflective tone, wherein the narrator fails to equate himself with the great artist Strickland.
Related Themes:
