#8 Tone and Mood

The tone or mood of a novel, poem or play can be determined by many elements including diction, figurative language, syntax, imagery and even allusion. The author can stylistically chose between many ways to create a specific tone and mood. In poems such as To His Coy Mistress by Andrew Marvell, several different styles are used to establish a tone. In the first stanza the tone is prominently illustrated by figurative language and imagery that expresses the extent of the narrator’s love to his mistress within the context of a perfect world. As the second stanza begins a new tone is established primarily by diction and allusion. The word “But” starts off the second stanza which suggests that the message that is yet to come will be in opposition to what was said before, therefore, signaling a tonal shift. Also present in the first sentence of the second stanza, is a Greek allusion that serves to emphasize a sense of urgency because of time. Progressing into the third stanza, a final tonal shift occurs which once again is created by figurative language. Figurative phrases such as “morning due” and “amorous birds of prey” demonstrate the importance of acting quickly, thus indicating a pressured tone that communicates a slightly frightening message. As in Marvel’s poem as well as many others, many stylistic elements are considered by authors in formulating a tone that serves to interest the reader. 

#7 Diction

When considering the author’s intent in formulating an overall theme, diction must be closely analyzed. For Example, in Housman’s poem “To An Athlete Dying Young” diction helps the poem expound upon the idea that greatness can be frozen within time. When the athlete dies, the narrator depicts the image of the “townsman of a stiller town.” Specifically, the word “stiller” has significance because it directly correlates to the preservation of the athlete’s legacy at his death. Furthermore, references to the laurel have dual meanings. A Laurel is defined as an evergreen shrub or an honor for a specific achievement. In Housman’s poem, the multiple meanings of laurel can be applied at the same time suggesting that the laurel signifies both the victory of the athlete and the everlasting vitality of his honor. The fact that the reference of the laurel recurs several times further attributes to the idea that the athlete, who has died young, has preserved his admiration. Ultimately diction Housman as well as many other poets and authors use diction to communicate the central themes of their work.