How to Identify a Writer's Tone

One of the most important elements of any literary work is its tone.  A writer's tone helps to create an atmosphere for their story.  It also can give insight into the writer's opinion or thoughts on the subject at hand.  The ability to identify a writer's tone can help you explore his or her writing at a deeper level.

• Observe the writer's word choice.  Words can have many associations, where they can be positive, negative or neutral.  Writers choose their words carefully, so pay close attention to the way they describe a scene.


• Make note of way the information is presented.  In what order did the writer describe the scene or situation?  Is he or she giving you important facts and details firsthand, or are you having to interpret what is written in order to understand what is going on?


• Analyze the phrasing.  Is the author being sarcastic?  Is he or she using long descriptive sentences to set the stage for the story?


• Notice of what is left out of the story.  This is called analyzing the latent text.  Make notes regarding information and details that are omitted from the writing.  This can help you identify the writer's intention when crafting the piece.


• Pay attention to your own emotions.  This is perhaps the most obvious way to understand a writer's tone.  How does the writing make you feel?  Do you feel that the writer is trying to persuade you?  Does the story make you angry?  Frustrated?  Inspired?  Understanding your own emotional reaction can help you interpret the author's feelings when he or she was writing.