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Tone is more than merely an author’s attitude toward his/her audience and characters; it is the stylistic means by which an author conveys his/her attitude(s) in a work of literature. Tone is an integral part of a work’s meaning because it controls the reader’s response which is essential to fully experiencing literature. In order to recognize tonal shift and to interpret complexities of tone, the reader must be able to make inferences based on an active reading of the work.
Directions : Familiarize yourself with the denotations and connotations of the following tone words. This is by no means a comprehensive list! Your job will be to add to this list throughout the year, placing new tone words in their appropriate categories. You should also practice utilizing adjective and adverb forms of each word:
adjective: Leo uses a mocking tone when he describes Mr. Graham as a literary genius.
adverb: Leo mockingly describes Mr. Graham as a literary genius.
For more tone words and their meanings, consult a thesaurus! [Never, ever use a word you find in a thesaurus unless you are dictionary certain of its definition!]
simple, straightforward, direct, unambiguous, candid
indirect, understated, evasive, allusive
complicated, complex, difficult
admiring, worshiping, approving
complimentary, proud, effusive
disliking, abhorring, contemptuous
strident, harsh, acerbic, angry, outraged, violent
forceful, powerful, confident
energetic, vibrant
ironic, sardonic, sarcastic, mocking, sly, wry
satirical, critical
sharp, biting
bitter, grim, cynical
interested, sympathetic, pitiful
hollow, detached, cold, obdurate
tired, boring, uninterested
indifferent, unconcerned, disinterested, apathetic
impartial, objective
humorous, playful, joking, frivolous
flippant, irreverent, facetious
impish, silly, sophomoric, childish
resigned, calm, tranquil, quiet, peaceful, reticent
subdued, restrained
sad, upset, depressed, melancholy, despairing
afraid, fearful, horrific, terrified, panicked
wistful, nostalgic, sentimental
solemn, serious, somber
apologetic, penitent, ignominious
recalcitrant, stubborn, rebellious
apprehensive, anxious, pensive
thoughtful, dreamy, fanciful
vexed, uncertain, confused, ambivalent
excited, exhilarated, exuberant
ardent, fervent, zealous
happy, contented, ecstatic, joyful, giddy
incredulous, questioning, skeptical, dubious
insistent, urgent, pressing
pertinent, pointed, incisive, poignant
commanding, demanding
exhortatory, admonishing, censorious, damning
condescending, arrogant, haughty, dogmatic
elevated, grand, lofty, bombastic, pretentious
oratorical, dramatic, melodramatic
scornful, disdainful, supercilious
audacious, bold, impudent, insolent
alluring, provocative, seductive
shocking, offensive, reprehensible, lurid
didactic, instructive
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