Tone, Mood, and Point of View
In literature the tone of a work relates to the choice of words an author uses. These words might be humorous, sad, thoughtful, serious, or otherwise. The mood of the work relates to the subject matter. For instance, the writer might be discussing a serial killer. The mood, or the thoughts and feelings people have when they think of that kind of subject, is dark or unsettling. However, the writer might choose humorous words and sentences to discuss the subject.
Look at the picture above. Does this man look happy? Yeah, kind of. The tone of this picture is fun. However, if you know who the character is, you know he is very evil. He is the Joker, a very famous villain in the Batman comic book series. What we see here is a difference between the subject matter and the way it is portrayed. There is a difference between the tone and mood.
Look at the picture above. Does this man look happy? Yeah, kind of. The tone of this picture is fun. However, if you know who the character is, you know he is very evil. He is the Joker, a very famous villain in the Batman comic book series. What we see here is a difference between the subject matter and the way it is portrayed. There is a difference between the tone and mood.
Watch the introduction to the Addams Family TV show from the 60s.
Notice how there is a slightly creep mood to the show? Sure. However, the tone is comical. The music, the words, and some of the facial expressions are meant for laughter. Therefore, the tone is different than the mood.
Point of View
Notice in the video above the narrator refers to the Addams family in the third person, using pronouns like they and their. This is called third-person point of view. Look at the short passage below. It is written in third-person point of view.
Marcus sat at his desk confused and unhappy. He received a phone call from his friend Omar telling him he could not make it to Marcus's party tonight. As usual, Marcus became depressed and thought seriously about cancelling the entire party.
See how the writer always refers to the characters in third person? The next sample is first-person narration.
I was walking through the woods at night when I heard footsteps and a twig break. Turning quickly, I saw a creature looming above me.
Can you see why this is first-person narration? Excellent! Yes, the narrator is actually in the action and the pronoun I is used.
Marcus sat at his desk confused and unhappy. He received a phone call from his friend Omar telling him he could not make it to Marcus's party tonight. As usual, Marcus became depressed and thought seriously about cancelling the entire party.
See how the writer always refers to the characters in third person? The next sample is first-person narration.
I was walking through the woods at night when I heard footsteps and a twig break. Turning quickly, I saw a creature looming above me.
Can you see why this is first-person narration? Excellent! Yes, the narrator is actually in the action and the pronoun I is used.
