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.
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