Reading Sol Review: Mood vs. Tone
What do we mean by “mood”? Mood is the feeling/atmosphere the writer creates for the reader. A writer can use various techniques to develop the mood in a piece of literature: Using specific connotations of words Using detailed imagery Using various examples of figurative language Using sound and rhythm devices Drawing attention to specific details
A Quick Review of Sound Devices Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. “At least once a fortnight a corps of caterers came down with several hundred feet of canvas and enough colored lights….” (Fitzgerald 40). Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within words. “Along the window-sill, the lipstick stubs/Glittered in their steel shells” Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds within and at the end of words. “Some late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door”
What Do We Mean By “Tone”? Tone is the writer’s attitude towards his/her subject. An author can convey tone through their use of Diction: Author’s specific word choice. It can be Formal or informal Technical or common Concrete or abstract Details Direct Statements