Tone and Mood
Tone:
The author’s attitude towards the subject
Must be inferred through the use of descriptive words (adjectives)
o Look at the:
 Denotation – the literal, dictionary definition
 Connotation – the feeling behind the word
Negative or positive
Mood:
The overall feelings or emotions created in the reader
Author’s “move” their readers’ moods through their choice of words and
level of detail
o Once again…look at the connotations behind the words