STYLE, TONE, LANGUAGE
1 Look at Flannery O'Connor's self-portrait.
  • How would you describe its style?
  • How did the author create it? Through what?
2 Use words A—D to complete the definition of TONE below:
A narrator
B characters
C audience
D attitude

The __________ of the __________ or author of a work toward the subject matter, __________, or __________.
    3a Decide which type of tone (A—C) the following adjectives characterize

    allusive | blunt | candid | controlled | conversational | distinct | evocative | factual | frank | honest | informative | knowledgeable | lyrical | naïve | noble | nostalgic | patriotic | personal | questioning | reflective | serious | sublime | virile

    A. Positive
    B. Negative
    C. Neutral
    3b Decide which type of tone (A—C) the following adjectives characterize

    apathetic | apologetic | belligerent | dejected | doubtful | envious | foreboding | somber | sardonic | vexed

    A. Positive
    B. Negative
    C. Neutral
    4a Match four sets of adjectives with different variations of positive tone (A—E):

    A Reactive
    B Positive and Quiet
    C Positive thoughts
    D Positive and caring
    E Positive and lively

    1 Amiable | elated | exuberant | jovial | jubilant | vivacious

    2 Confident | determined | grateful | promising | proud | reverent

    3 Benevolent | compassionate | consoling | merciful | soothing | thoughtful

    4 Casual | collected | content | pleasant | relieved | serene

    5 Amazed | curious | polite | startled | Surprised
      4b Match four sets of adjectives with different variations of negative tone (A—D):

      A Negative and passive
      B Negative thoughts
      C Negative and uncontrolled
      D Negative and forceful

      1 Apologetic | critical | doubtful | envious | foreboding | frustrated | gloomy | guilty | judgmental | pessimistic | regretful | remorseful | shameful | somber | suspicious

      2 Agitated | alarmed | anxious | apprehensive | defenceless | distressed | disturbed | embarrassed | fearful | helpless | humiliated | mortified | nervous | powerless | shocked | stressed | tensed | troubled | uneasy | vulnerable | worried

      3 Apathetic | bored | cold | dejected | depressed | despaired | disappointed | discontented | dispirited | gloomy | hopeless | hurt | miserable | regretful | sad | upset

      4 Accusing | aggravated | angry | annoyed | belligerent | condescending | contempt | disgusted | furious | harsh | hateful | insulting | irritated | manipulative | outraged | quarrelsome | sarcastic | sardonic vexed
        5 Describe the tones of these speakers using at least 8 adjectives for each. You may choose characteristics from the lists above.
        6 Decide which tone these authors convey (positive, neutral, or negative). Then, come up with at least 6 adjectives to describe their tones.
        7 Work in groups to describe the overall tone of the following stories:
        8 Decide which characteristics are applicable to...
        A. Formal diction
        B. Informal diction

        1 long and complex sentences;
        2 everyday speech;
        3 learned vocabulary: ailment, votaries, conundrum;
        4 absence of colloquialisms;
        5 slang;
        6 contractions;
        7 serious, objective, detached tone;
        8 colloquial expressions: you know, I mean;
        9 shortened word forms;
        10 no contractions, shortened word forms, regional expressions, or slang;
        11 incomplete sentences;
        12 casual, conversational tone.
          9 Decide which tones and characteristics are applicable to...
          A. Formal diction
          B. Informal diction

          1. aloof and controlled
          2. narrowing the distance
          3. offensive language
          4. a high educational level
          5. crudeness
          6. old-fashioned or stuffy
          7. adolescent bravado
          8. condescending
          9. use of racial or ethnic slurs
          10. bigoted
          11. erudition
          12. a superior social position
          13. use of obscenities
          14. emotional detachment
          15. pompous or ridiculous
          16. casual tone
            10 Remember the gentleman and Jenny from The Inconsiderate Waiter. Which type of diction was associated with each of them? What can formal and informal diction tell us about characters?