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