Analysing tone in an unseen poem
I can conceptualise and explain the use of tone in an unseen poem.
Analysing tone in an unseen poem
I can conceptualise and explain the use of tone in an unseen poem.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The tone of a literary work expresses the writer's attitude toward or feelings about the subject matter.
- In order to determine the tone, we might ask questions about how the poem would sound if read aloud.
- We also might ask questions about the use of punctuation, structure and language in order to determine the tone.
- We might interpret Fainlight’s ‘Borrowed Time’ as having a reflective or desperate tone.
Common misconception
That the tone and mood of the poem are the same thing.
Tone refers to the attitude of the writer towards the subject matter while mood refers to the effect the writing has on the reader.
Keywords
Mortality - refers to the state of being mortal (destined to die)
Reflective - showing or involved in careful thinking
Tone - expresses the writer's attitude toward or feelings about the subject matter and audience
Desperate - feeling or showing a hopeless sense
Frantic - distraught with fear, anxiety or other emotion
Equipment
You will need a copy of Ruth Fainlight's ‘Borrowed Time’ which is available in the additional materials.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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