Tone vs. Mood What IS the difference?

Tone the attitude of the author/writer or speaker/narrator A writer’s tone may be communicated through particular words and details that express particular emotions and that evoke an emotional response in the reader.

Mood/Atmosphere the feeling experienced by YOU the reader

Tone What is the tone of the narrator (Montresor) in “The Cask of Amontillado?” Find at least three words or phrases that help to convey the tone

Montresor’s Tone The tone of the story is one of dark sarcasm and horror (creepily humorous.) Montresor hints at Fortunato's end with his not so funny jokes about the trowel he carries and with his cynical attitude that Fortunato will fall easily for his manipulative techniques of suggesting he go ask a different expert rather than bother Fortunato. 

Your Mood Consider the following quote:... “The niter! […] it hangs like moss upon the vaults. […] The drops of moisture trickle among the bones” (90). What emotion or feeling are you (the reader) experiencing as you read this passage?

Your Mood The mood in this story is one that is sinister, threatening and disturbing as we move ever further down into the catacombs of Montresor's family home and we move ever closer to the grim revenge that he has planned against Fortunato. It is important to focus on how the description of the setting is used to create and sustain this mood. “The niter! […] it hangs like moss upon the vaults. […] The drops of moisture trickle among the bones” (90).

Irony Fortunato’s name – What type of irony? “we will go back; your health is precious” (89) – What type of irony? “I drink,” he said, “to the buried that repose around us.” “And I to your long life” (90) – What type of irony?

Irony is Humorous Edgar Allan Poe portrays dark humor in “The Cask of Amontillado.” He is consistently making jokes referencing Fortunato’s death.