The Crucible
Looking at Tone
Tone
• Tone is defined as the author’s or speaker’s
attitude toward the subject.
• Tone is an integral part of a piece of literature’s
meaning because it controls the reader’s
response which is essential to fully
understanding and experiencing literature.
• When you identify the tone of a quote from a
text, you should be able to explain the rationale
behind that tone.
For Example…
• What is the tone of the following statement?
“I love carrying my heavy literature book to
class,” said Johnnie as he stuffed it into his
backpack.
• Rationale: Why do you know that is the tone?
What words in the sentence support the
tone?
Applying Tone to The Crucible
• Read the following quote from Act I
• Parris: “Now tell me true, Abigail. I pray you feel the
weight of truth upon you, for now my ministry’s at
stake, my ministry and perhaps your cousin’s life”
(170).
• What do you think the tone is for this quote?
• Rationale: Explain why you know that is the tone.
What words in the sentence support the tone?
****Remember this is inference and interpretation. You may have
different ideas that other students. As long as you can back up your
opinion with proof from the text, your answer should be valid.
Applying Tone to The Crucible
• Read the following quote:
• Parris: “Your name in the town—it is entirely white,
is it not?” (171)
Abigail “My name is good in the village! I will not
have it said my name is soiled! Goody Proctor is a
gossiping liar!” (172)
• What do you think the tone is for Abigail’s quote?
(Think about the context of the entire passage)
• Rationale: Explain why you know that is the tone.
What words in the sentence support the tone?
opinion with proof from the text, your answer should be valid.
Tone Identification
ACT II
• Now that we’ve finished reading, try your hand at
identifying passages that contain varying tones.
For each of the adjectives listed below, find a
passage that has the tone that matches.
Complete a tone chart for each.
– Frustrated
– Accusatory
– Sympathetic
Dramatic
Lugubrious ( mournful)
Contentious
The Crucible Tone Assignment
• Choose one quote/passage from The
Crucible. Complete the chart below for that
quote/passage.
Quote:
Choose the most significant
quote from that passage.
Make sure you cite it
correctly!
Tone Word:
List the tone word
Context:
Explain the part of the act
in which you found this
quote.
Rationale:
What is the author’s
purpose in using this tone
for this character?