Tone

Notes→
● The emotional quality of language; the quality that reveals feelings, attitudes, and points of view
● Tone reveals the author's attitude toward a subject
● Tone is developed through point of view – tone supports the position from which the author views issues
of concern
● Writers need to use specific words to express tone-- linked directly to diction
● The tone of a piece of writing is the result of carefully selecting and arranging words to create desired
effects
● Tone contributes to the general feeling or mood that a passage develops, appealing to the reader's
imagination and emotions
● Long, flowing sentences – slow movement, reinforcing the tone of peacefulness and contentment
● Short, choppy sentences – creates a sense of action, excitement, and surprise
● Tone gives voice to characters and helps you better interpret and understand their perspectives

Example:
Who am I? I am a Canadian immigrant. My homeland is Colombia. There I was a nurse. I cared for the sick and
the elderly. Here I clean offices. I empty your trash cans. I wipe up your spills. I work at night, so you do not see
me. I am invisible to you. I am a wife and mother. I came here with my husband and two small children. We live
in a run-down house on the edge of town. In my homeland, we were part of the middle class. Yet, we had no
freedom. Here, we are part of the working poor. Yet, my children go to school. My husband and I study English.
We have freedom and the promise of the future. We will succeed.

Observations:
● Comments are short, direct and powerful – tone: straightforward sincerity
● Author is writing about herself – tone: feelings are personal and sincere; pride and humility
● Tone of simplicity, directness, pride, sincerity, humility, hope, and understanding