Previous
Style
Definition of Tone
The tone of a piece of writing is its general character or attitude, which might be cheerful or depressive, sarcastic or sincere, comical or mournful, praising or critical, and so on. For instance... read full definition
The tone of a piece of writing is its general character or attitude, which might be cheerful or depressive, sarcastic or sincere, comical or mournful, praising or critical... read full definition
The tone of a piece of writing is its general character or attitude, which might be cheerful or depressive, sarcastic or sincere, comical... read full definition
Tone
Explanation and Analysis:
The tone of the story emerges from Rye's point of view, which is slightly detached due to the third-person perspective. Rye is observant and focused, qualities that are important to her survival. She seeks reason in a chaotic world, constantly using logic to consider what might happen and how she will navigate potential outcomes.
Even when Rye experiences intense emotions, her tone is contained. When she discovers that Obsidian can read and write, "Abruptly, she hated him--deep, bitter hatred." The tone suggests that Rye has become accustomed to dealing with intense or sudden emotions, which are a part of the upturned reality following the pandemic. She registers these emotions but cannot let them distract her as she attempts to survive.
After Rye meets Obsidian and feels a connection with him, she becomes more optimistic, but her tone remains measured as if to keep herself in check:
She would take him, uniform and all. It occurred to her that she might eventually lose him to someone he would meet as he had met her. But she would have him for a while.
Rye is cautious, understanding that the relationship will probably not last, but she is also increasingly hopeful about the possibility of rebuilding relationships or even a family.
Though Obsidian does not survive, Rye carries that hope into the end of the story when she opens up communication with the children:
"I'm Valerie Rye," she said, savoring the words. "It's all right for you to talk to me."
These closing words indicate a shift from the guarded, paranoid tone that dominates the rest of the story.
Related Themes:
