The Fellowship of the Ring

by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Fellowship of the Ring: Tone 1 key example

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
Book 2, Chapter 7
Explanation and Analysis:

In The Fellowship of the Ring, Tolkien's tone is often stately, antiquated, and formal, reflecting the deep influence of epic poetry on his writing. Though some characters, such as the hobbits, are relatively light-hearted and comedic in their conversation, many other important characters are drawn from the nobility of their respective races and kingdoms, including many members of the fellowship, such as Gimli, Legolas, Aragorn, and Boromir. A scene in which the fellowship encounters Celeborn and Galadriel, joint rulers of the elf realm of Lothlórien, exemplifies this stately tone: 

"Sit now beside my chair, Frodo of the Shire!" said Celeborn. "When all have come we will speak together." Each of the companions he greeted courteously by name as they entered.

"Welcome Aragorn son of Arathorn!" he said. "It is eight and thirty years of the world outside since you came to this land; and those years lie heavy on you. But the end is near, for good or ill. Here lay aside your burden for a while!"

"Welcome son of Thranduil! Too seldom do my kindred journey hither from the North."

"Welcome Gimli son of Glóin!"