Previous
Style
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 S. E. Hinton's The Outsiders is sensitive and slightly bitter. Ponyboy Curtis, the narrator of the story, is frustrated by the constant violence and hatred in his life. Shackled by his socioeconomic circumstances and youth, he feels hopeless about his future. At only 14 years old, Ponyboy feels helpless to change both his future and the negative way that people perceive greasers.
As a result, the tone is often angry, as the greasers feel powerless against the world and the Socs. They are financially vulnerable to the harshness of the world and physically vulnerable to the gangs of Socs driving around in search of greasers. Ponyboy is angry at Darry for being so hard on him, frustrated with the Socs for making him and Johnny fear for their lives, and furious at the world for caging him in a hateful town. However, these angry sentiments are what make Ponyboy hopeful for a better future. Ponyboy's hope and ability to see good in the world are what make him different from the other greasers in the novel. The story implies that Ponyboy will be the one to escape the cycle and make a difference for other boys like him.
Related Themes:
