Types of Tone in Literature: A Detailed Multidimensional Introduction

Understanding the tone of a literary work is crucial for appreciating its depth and impact. Tone refers to the attitude or feeling conveyed by the author through the text. It can be formal, informal, serious, humorous, or any combination of these. In this article, we will delve into the various types of tone in literature, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of how authors use tone to convey their messages and evoke emotions.

Formal Tone

A formal tone is characterized by a dignified and respectful manner. It is often used in academic, professional, and official contexts. In literature, a formal tone can be found in works like Shakespeare’s plays or the novels of Jane Austen. This tone is characterized by precise language, adherence to grammatical rules, and a focus on the subject matter.

Example	Source
“To be, or not to be: that is the question.”	Hamlet by William Shakespeare
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”	Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Informal Tone

In contrast to a formal tone, an informal tone is more relaxed and conversational. It is often used in personal, social, and casual contexts. In literature, an informal tone can be found in works like J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series or David Sedaris’s essays. This tone is characterized by colloquial language, contractions, and a focus on the author’s personal experiences.

Example	Source
“I mean, who wouldn’t want to be a wizard?”	Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
“I was in the middle of a sentence when I realized I was in the middle of a sentence.”	Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris

Serious Tone

A serious tone is characterized by a focus on the subject matter and a lack of humor or light-heartedness. It is often used in works that deal with serious issues, such as war, poverty, or human suffering. In literature, a serious tone can be found in works like Elie Wiesel’s Night or Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird.

Example	Source
“For in the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.”	Night by Elie Wiesel
“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.”	To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Humorous Tone

A humorous tone is characterized by the use of wit, sarcasm, or irony to entertain or amuse the reader. It is often used in works that aim to provide light-hearted entertainment or to satirize certain aspects of society. In literature, a humorous tone can be found in works like Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn or George Orwell’s Animal Farm.

Example

Source

“The report of my death was an exaggeration.”

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

“All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.”