Style, Tone and Mood
Language and Style
Your
behaviour while attending Chapel is different from your behaviour while hanging out at the Tuck shop or the sports fields with friends. The difference in language is a difference not just in the words we use but in what we call tone.
The
tone, in turn, conveys our attitude toward our audience and our subject matter. Are we being frivolous or serious, casual or formal, sweet or stuffy? The choice of a single word can change the tone of a paragraph, even an entire essay
Just
as the pitch and volume of one's voice carry a difference in tone from street to church, the choice of words and the way we put our sentences together convey a sense of tone in our writing.
What is STYLE ?
Each author uses literary
devices, tone and mood in a
unique/particular way
There
may be as many styles as there are
writers.
Think
about your favourite authors? Why
do you like their books?
Is
it because of their style of writing? . . .
And so, how would you describe their
style of writing?
STYLE
STYLE is the way the author uses words, phrases, and sentences. The authors 1) personal word choice/vocabulary, 2) types of sentences, 3) point of view from which the text is told, 4) organisation of the text. These 4 components will reveal his/her style.
STYLE
Consider:
point-of-view,
formal
or informal writing,
organization/structure level
of text,
of complexity in the writing, and
overall
tone.
By using these features in writing, different meanings of the content (what the story/text is about) are shown to the audience.
Style: Which Point of View?
First person: (I, me, my) I went to the rugby today. When I was on the Piley Rees, I bumped into an old friend and had a nice conversation. Second person: (you; instructions/directions) You should work on getting your room cleaned. First, pick up the clothes on the floor. Then, you need to run a vacuum and dust the tables.
.
Third person limited: (he/she/it/they/them told thru 1 character) He could tell from the expression on her face that what he had said upset her. If only he knew, though, what she was really thinking. Third-person Omniscient (all knowing): (he/she/it/they/them told by the author; all characters feelings/thoughts are revealed) She refused to look at Jamie again and instead stared at the statue. Come on! exclaimed Jamie impatiently. Its time to go. Sara ignored Jamie and continued to gaze upon the statue wishing she, too, could be so still and at peace.
Style: Formal vs. Informal
Informal:
Hey, Josh ! What's going on tonight? Call me before you guys leave, okay?
Formal:
Dear Sir, After examining your job description, I feel I am an excellent candidate. I have many years of experience performing these specific duties. My rsum is attached. Please read it over at your convenience and contact me if you have questions. Sincerely, Andrew Meyer
Formal vs. Informal
These are the two major categories of style.
Formal
Vocabulary: highlevel; business-like
Informal
Vocabulary low-level; perhaps slang; dialogue Organization of text more so narrative or note-like Audience usually personal (more first or thirdlimited) Sentences dont vary as much in structure; mostly simple or compound sentences
Organization of text: very structured; perhaps with subtopics
Audience usually 3rdomnisicient (except for business letters)
Sentences: structure
Contractions and the function of the Apostrophe
One measure of the formality of our language is our use of contractions: it's they're, don't, and we've. We use contractions all the time in casual conversation, of course, and using contractions in our text will convey an informal quality. To elevate the style, eliminate the contractions and write out the verbs Check for any possessives you may have formed incorrectly Check for contractions. Remember, there is nothing inherently wrong with contracted verbs; however, they are one hallmark of informality, and your teacher may object to their use.
Style
Descriptive? Thoroughly-developed? Academic? Formal? Informal? Business-like?
Personal?
MOOD
MOOD is the overall feelings or emotions that are created IN THE READER. The power of the pen can move mountains. Authors move their readers moods through their choice of words and level of detail.
MOOD Brain Muscle Work-out
Cheerful Relieved Gloomy Bleak Uncertain Bittersweet Relaxed Lazy Hopeless Tense
Furious Disappointed Dreamy, foggy Content Satisfied Angry Motivated Inspired Confident Eerie
Mood: Where Can They Stay?
About three million people have to look for a place to sleep at night. Some homeless people have jobs but do not earn nearly enough money for both food and shelter. Some become homeless because they have an unfortunate accident or lose their job. They do not have any back-up resources to make it through the hard times. The homeless face terrible problems. Many become victims of violence. Serious health problems may begin because they are exposed to bad weather and unclean conditions. Homeless children may miss the chance to go to school. Worst of all, some cities pass laws that make it even harder on the homeless.
Mood: Where Can They Stay?
How would you describe the mood of this passage? CAN you describe the mood of this passage?
Focus on the hints to produce a mood for the reader.
