Understanding Tone in Literature: An Analysis of Hamlet
Explore the concept of tone in literature through examples from Shakespeare's "Hamlet." Learn how tone influences the reader's emotional response and enhances understanding of a piece of writing. The analysis delves into Act One, Scene One to reveal the tension and tone Shakespeare sets up in the play.
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Hamlet TONE
Tone the emotional quality of the WORDS that the author has chosen Tone can be: formal or informal humorous or serious diction personal or impersonal also the author s attitude and point of view toward a subject subjective or objective casual or passionate cynical or sentimental reflects the feelings of the writer and can affect the emotional response of the reader simple or elaborate etc.
TONE words Bitter Serious Witty Playful Tender Sympathetic Haunting Mysterious Suspenseful Tasteful/distasteful Nonchalant Angry Attached/Detached Innocent Poignant Compassionate Humorous Gory
Tone and Analysis Remember: tone is how the author says something Identifying tone can help your understanding an analysis of what is happening in a piece of literature, just as the mood and tone of people help you understand a situation in real life. Examples: How would the following be said in each situation I have something to tell you A friend comes over smiling and looking excited A girlfriend or boyfriend is quiet and withdrawn Get over here A parent is frowning, arms crossed A sibling is looking out the window at something
Act One Scene One Analysis Looking at these opening lines, what sort of tension is being set up? What is the tone? It is clear that Shakespeare was setting up a ________ tone in order to __________________. BERNARDO Who's there? FRANCISCO Nay, answer me: stand, and unfold yourself. BERNARDO Long live the king! FRANCISCO Bernardo? BERNARDO He. FRANCISCO You come most carefully upon your hour. BERNARDO 'Tis now struck twelve; get thee to bed, Francisco. Later in the scene, we discover a variety of things: King Hamlet, Hamlet s father fought and defeated the King of Norway and that of the Poles The dead king s son, Fortinbras, has raised a force of men to take back the land King Hamlet captured The men are on the watch because they are looking out for Fortinbras men FRANCISCO For this relief much thanks: 'tis bitter cold, And I am sick at heart. BERNARDO Have you had quiet guard? FRANCISCO Not a mouse stirring. BERNARDO Well, good night. If you do meet Horatio and Marcellus, The rivals of my watch, bid them make haste. FRANCISCO I think I hear them. Stand, ho! Who's there? Enter HORATIO and MARCELLUS HORATIO Friends to this ground. MARCELLUS And liegemen to the Dane. FRANCISCO Give you good night.
TONE IS NOT MOOD Tone The tone could be serious but the mood could be ridiculous. Mood
Tone FOR EXAMPLE: He approached the task with sheer determination. He had studied his plans carefully, spent hours preparing and was sure of his approach. The hours he spent practicing were grueling and exhausting but he was ready. This was the year he would win the pie eating contest at school. According to the author s descriptions, what is the tone? Serious, Intense, Formal, Focused Your turn! Lets try this one .
The TONE of the passage is _________ The author s ______________ relays the tone. My annoying brother likes to drive me crazy. There is no other who is that lazy. He whines to Mom and Dad night and day Until he eventually gets his way. What is a sister to do When he screams 'til he's blue? There is no way to win, For he gets under your skin. He does his best to kill all joy. Oh, how my brother does annoy!
The TONE of the passage is FRUSTRATED The author s DESCRIPTIONS relay the tone. My annoying brother likes to drive me crazy. There is no other who is that lazy. He whines to Mom and Dad night and day Until he eventually gets his way. What is a sister to do When he screams 'til he's blue? There is no way to win, For he gets under your skin. He does his best to kill all joy. Oh, how my brother does annoy!
Act III Vocabulary Notes 1. beguile: verb, charm or enchant (someone), sometimes in a deceptive way 2. calumny: noun, the making of false and defamatory statements in order to damage someone's reputation; slander. 3. contumely: adverb, behaving insolently or using insulting language or treatment 4. galled: verb, annoyed ; irritated 5. knavish: adjective, dishonest, unscrupulous, or mischievous 6. lunacy: noun, the state of being a lunatic; insanity 7. orisons: noun, a prayer.
