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182 Unit 2 ■ Analyzing Comparisons and Representations Composition Workshop ■ Writing about Tone 183 UNIT 2

Set a Purpose for Reading TRM Handout: Describing Tone
As you analyze a text, you can determine the narrator’s or speaker’s attitude about DESCRIBING TONE COMPOSITION WORKSHOP
the subject by paying close attention to the specific language. This attitude — as Positive Neutral Negative
it is implicit in specific stylistic choices — is referred to as tone. In Unit 2, you Happy Objective Sad
have learned that authors employ techniques (e.g., repetition, specific word choice, • Content • Detached • Melancholy
shifts) to highlight ideas and tensions. You have also learned that they use figura- • Joyful • Clinical • Despondent
tive language (e.g., symbol, imagery, metaphor, and simile) to create associations • Ecstatic • Matter of fact • Despairing
between their subjects and familiar objects. You must pay close attention to all
these elements to understand the tone of a text. Friendly Logical Unfriendly
Copyright (c) 2023 Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers. Uncorrected proofs were used with this sample chapter.
For example, if the metaphorical associations and connotations of a text • Polite • Instructive • Unsociable
are positive, then the writer’s attitude and tone are likely positive. If these el- • Accommodating • Didactic • Spiteful
ements are negative, then the tone is probably negative. But as your readings • Indulgent • Persuasive • Malicious
get more complex throughout the year, you may notice that some writers cre- Pleasurable Apathetic Angry
Distributed by Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers. Strictly for use with its products. Not for redistribution.
ate tension between tone and subject matter (e.g., a comic tone applied to a • Satisfied • Detached • Indignant
serious theme or problem). These incongruities can lead to irony, insight, and • Amused • Stoic • Perturbed
opportunities for multiple interpretations. Strategic readers make thoughtful • Enraptured • Resigned • Furious
connections between the language and the subject to identify the tone and Loving Cautious Mocking
interpret the text. • Affectionate • Prudent • Patronizing
Therefore, when you are preparing to analyze a text in a literary argument,
you should pay particular attention to how the author’s use of language reveals • Sensual • Wary • Pompous
tone (or more than one tone) and connects to the unifying idea. To do this, con- • Amorous • Reticent • Contemptuous
sider how the author’s figurative elements work within the text to accomplish the Humorous Sentimental Fearful
following: • Amused • Reminiscent • Apprehensive
• Playful • Nostalgic • Nervous
• Reveal attitudes about subjects or experiences • Giddy • Longing • Terrified
• Reveal a narrator’s or speaker’s tone
• Make associations to familiar objects or experiences
• Suggest similarities and differences within comparisons
• Further inform the context of a comparison
• Emphasize qualities and traits of a subject LITERARY ARGUMENTATION TRM Graphic Organizer: Analyzing Tone through
Figurative Elements
® SKILLS
To prepare to write about tone, you can begin broadly by classifying this AP PRACTICE Analyzing Tone through Figurative Elements
attitude as either positive, neutral, or negative based on the associations you
make. Then, the more you delve into the specific connotations of words and Review the text that you are analyzing for your literary argument. Identify the
figurative language, the more precise you can be about analyzing this tone or unifying idea that will guide your analysis. Record this in the first row. Then,
attitude. In your analysis, you will describe the tone of the work using ad- in the left column, record details related to that idea for each of the figura-
jectives. Make sure you choose the most precise adjectives to do the job. For tive elements that you have identified. In the right column, record how these
example, it would be accurate to describe the winner of a prize as “happy.” But details lead you to an insight about that idea. Next, consider the associations
if the prize is $100 million, it would be more precise to say that the winner is that you have made from your reading to determine the tone (or different
“ecstatic.” tones) in the text.
Consult the following table, which gives examples of words and the different
tones and attitudes they suggest. (continued)

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Composition Workshop Writing about Tone 183

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