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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
Volume 1, Part 1: Chapters 1–4
Explanation and Analysis:
The tone of the novel is often wry and satirical, as the narrator comments comically upon the behavior, motivations, and statements of characters. Though the novel explores several serious themes, it is also highly attentive to the etiquette and fashion of aristocratic society in early 19th century Russia, contributing to this satirical tone. When Pierre, a major character in the novel, is first introduced in a party thrown by Anna Pavlovna, Tolstoy emphasizes Pierre’s comical misunderstanding of polite social norms:
Anna Pavlovna’s fear was not in vain, because Pierre, without hearing out the aunt’s talk about her majesty’s health, walked away from her.
The frightened Anna Pavlovna stopped him with the words: “You don’t know the abbé Morio? He’s a very interesting man…” she said.
“Yes, I’ve heard about his plan for eternal peace, and it’s very interesting, but hardly possible …” “You think so?…” said Anna Pavlovna, in order to say something, and again turned to her duties as mistress of the house, but Pierre committed the reverse discourtesy.
Here, Tolstoy demonstrates both his close attention to the manners of the early 19th century and a wry sense of humor. Pierre, who was not raised in Russia and lacks good manners, has failed in his social obligation to introduce himself to the elderly but revered aunt of Anna Pavlovna, ignoring the older woman entirely. When Anna, disturbed by his lack of etiquette, tries to avoid him, he commits the "reverse discourtesy" of pestering her. Tolstoy's emphasis on the conventions, vanities, and foibles of high society in Russia contributes to the satirical, comic tone of much of the novel, particularly those scenes set in the "two capitals" of Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Related Themes:
