Voice – a writer’s unique use of language that
allows a reader to “hear” a personality in
writing. Elements of style that determine a
voice include sentence structure, diction, and
tone.
- Sentence structure – long or short
sentences, complex or simple -think about
how the character speaks – smoothly or in short
bursts? In complete sentences or short phrases?
Does the character use concrete words, imagery, or
abstract terms like memory - Would the character use
simple words or flowery words?
Word choice – diction – the words the author chooses
and the way he arranges words in sentences, ie. active
or passive voice - think about how aligning a character’s
words with thoughts, motivations, and experience to
understand his/her voice; why is the author using
specific words?
 If the writer’s purpose is to entertain, the reader will
likely encounter words used in ironic, playful, or
unexpected ways.
 A word’s power to produce a strong reaction in the
reader lies mainly in its connotative meaning.
Think about the connotation of: Mansion, abode, dwelling,
domicile, residence, house, home, habitat, shack,
shanty, apartment, chateau – how do these words convey
different meanings?
Tone - is the author’s attitude toward the topic.
The tone, or attitude, of a piece of writing should be
appropriate to the audience and purpose. The tone may
be objective or subjective, logical or emotional, intimate
or distant, serious or humorous. It can consist mostly of
long, intricate sentences, of short, simple ones, or of
something in between.
 Objective tone is impartial. It does not show any
feelings for or against a topic; therefore, it is unbiased or
neutral. Often objective tone uses higher level words and
avoids pronouns such as I and you. (analytical essays)
 Subjective tone is personal, biased, emotional, and
often informal. (narratives)
 You must notice how words and details are used within
the writing.
(con’t)
Six different tones are used: optimistic, bitter, tolerant,
sentimental, humorous, and objective.
 This place may be shabby, but since both of my children were
born while we lived here, it has a special place in my heart. - The
tone is sentimental. “…special place in my heart,” expresses
tender emotions.
 This isn’t the greatest apartment in the world, but it’s not really
that bad. - The tone is tolerant. The words “not really that bad”
show that the writer accepts the situation while recognizing that
it could be better.
 If only there were some decent jobs out there, I wouldn’t be
reduced to living in this miserable dump. - The tone is bitter. The
writer resents a situation that forces him to live in a “miserable
dump.”
 This place does need some repairs, but I’m sure the landlord will
be making improvements sometime soon. - The tone is optimistic.
The writer is expecting the apartment to be improved soon.
essay
Each narrator of the Canterbury Tales has
a different voice, though some may be
similar. Write an essay that compares
the Pardoner or Wife of Bath with the
narrator of the tale that you presented in
class. Explain how their voices differ and
what role irony plays in both tales.
HW:
You will write an essay next week regarding the CT, so
you will need to print out your tale. Please copy the
document to a word document and format it so you are
not wasting paper.
Sentence structure paragraph 1 – 1 ex each
 long or short
 sentences, complex or simple -In complete sentences or short
phrases?
 Does the character use concrete words, imagery, or abstract
terms like memory
Diction paragraph 2 – 1 ex each
 the words the author chooses and the way he arranges words in
sentences - active or passive voice
 encounter words used in ironic, playful, or unexpected ways.
 A word’s power to produce a strong reaction in the reader lies
mainly in its connotative meaning.
Tone paragraph 3 – 1 ex each
 What is the tone?
 objective or subjective, logical or emotional, intimate or
distant, serious or humorous
 notice how words and details are used within the writing –
explain the connotation of words used!
INCLUDE IRONY!
The point is to explain how all of these elements get across the type
of voice (personality) the narrator of each tale has. You should
explain this in your conclusion.
Tone words
Positive – lighthearted, relaxed, amused,
passionate, encouraging, soothing, romantic,
optimistic, hopeful
Negative – angry, insulting, arrogant, bitter,
accusing, scornful, disgusted, critical,
somber, serious, hopeless, regretful
Neutral – formal, learned, reflective,
factual, candid, detached, nostalgic,
objective