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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 Help features three first-person narrators who rotate throughout the novel. Each narrator has a distinct tone. Aibileen's world-weary self-assuredness and maternal compassion create a careful, authoritative tone. She is always skeptical and cautious, resulting in her hesitant tone when discussing White people. She is a keen judge of character and has a strong moral compass, which results in her firm, often assertive tone, especially later in the novel when recounting her stories to Skeeter.
Minny is more straightforward and literal than Aibileen. She has an especially strong belief in the truth and, as a result, her tone is often rather combative, especially in response to a perceived slight. Her tone is generally blunt and serious. However, in Celia's lowest moments, weeping and bleeding on the bathroom floor after her miscarriage, Minny's tone becomes especially pitiful, at times even disgusted. Minny is more willing than Aibileen to criticize White people, which affects her tone toward them. Both Minny and Aibileen are often quite funny, using a variety of old-fashioned idioms and sayings, adding levity to both their narrative tones.
Skeeter's breathless ambition and connection to her personal values give her chapters a tone of eager righteousness. But at the same time, Skeeter is often naive and idealistic, which results in her eagerness sometimes turning foolhardy. She earns the ire of Hilly, Elizabeth, and the other League women, which causes her to be ostracized from society. Because of these and other issues, especially in her romantic life, Skeeter often has a skittish, nervous tone, as she anxiously works in secrecy, away from prying eyes. Together, Aibileen, Minny, and Skeeter's different tones depict the primary narrative in somewhat conflicting ways, adding emotional depth and breadth.
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