Tone and Mood Notes

Tone is how the writer sounds. The tone conveys the writer’s attitude towards a subject. For example the writer’s tone can be angry, sarcastic or amused. Ex. Why do you think I should fix it? You are out of your mind if you think I’ll do any such thing. (angry)

Mood is the atmosphere or feeling that the writer creates in a story. For example, mood can be suspenseful, dark, depressing or happy. It is the way the author wants you to feel. Ex. The clouds hung low in the overcast sky. There was a quiet stillness in the air. The faces in the dark musty room were dull and dreary. (depressing)

Old Woman: Don’t speak of it, I cannot tell you why. Go quickly now. Hush, no one should know of this. Carry it in your heart, not on your tongue, for to speak of it is to ask for your life on a platter.

My parents now believe that the world around me has become a terrible influence. Their solution to the problem, home schooling. Wow! that’s going to be sooo exciting; I can’t wait to start, but in the meantime someone needs to examine their heads before they come up with yet another ridiculous idea.

Shawna: Uncle Jim! You’ve got to come! Hurry, hurry, I can’t hold this any longer. Uncle Jim: Be still child. Shhhh it will only be a minute now. Be still and hold strong.

Mood?

You can determine the author’s purpose by looking at the tone the writer uses or the mood that is created. How does a writer create tone and mood?

Alligators mean disaster. Wherever they go they dig holes in which birds lay eggs and build nests. The holes create water puddles and the birds become squawking, chirping pests. While these annoying critters disturb the peace, the gators are busily snapping and chomping on helpless turtles and raccoons. These swamp monsters are bad news to our habitat and should be removed.

Disaster Squawking Pests Annoying Critters Snapping Chomping Monsters, bad news

The author’s tone suggests: Annoyance Disgust Dislike Anger The author’s purpose is to persuade the reader that alligators are harmful.

Alligators are heaven-sent creatures. The holes they dig are a gift to our environment. These holes become homes to birds and provide much needed water to wildlife during times of drought. Many endangered bird have been known to increase their population, thanks to nesting holes provided by the gators. We must all appreciate the value of our gator friends.

Marie tossed her backpack on the sofa and plopped into the plush softness of the chair. she glanced at her watch and sighed happily as she reached for the TV remote. Aaaaah, how relaxing it was to forget the stress of school and get lost in the mindless fantasy of television land.

Marie! What do you think you are doing? Can’t you think of anything better to do than plop yourself in front of the television set? Did you know that I’ve been keeping tabs on you for the last three months? Young lady, you have watched an average of 32 hours of TV each week, and that my dear is too much!

Suddenly there was a noise like thunder. Jerry froze in his tracks as the noise grew louder and louder. It was all around him now. What was happening? He clutched tightly to the tree and glanced up. His heart pounded in his chest and he knew the end was near. In an instant he saw the rocks as they came crashing towards the ground where he stood frozen.

How would you define the following terms? Tone Mood Author’s purpose What should you do to determine the tone or mood in a passage?

1. In your composition book 2. Title the assignment Creating Tone and Mood. 3. Write about something that happened while you were on spring break. You must carefully use words to create a certain tone or mood. Write the tone or mood at the top of your page. Must be 2-3 paragraphs. 1. Mysterious 2. Suspenseful 3. Happy or upbeat 4. Angry 5. Sad or depressed 6. Humorous or funny Here are some suggestions 

1. Mysterious 2. Suspenseful 3. Happy or upbeat 4. Angry 5. Sad or depressed 6. Humorous or funny