Tone and Mood

Tone in the Novel

• The tone refers to the author's attitude towards the subject matter.

• In Lord of the Flies, the tone changes throughout the novel but is generally one of horror and fear.

• Example of a horror-filled tone from Chapter 9:

  

• This description creates a disturbing and eerie atmosphere, reinforcing the novel's dark themes.

Mood in the Novel

• Mood is the feeling or emotional response the reader experiences while reading.
• The novel evokes feelings of fear, unease, and tension as the boys descend into savagery.
• Readers may also feel sadness, frustration, or horror at the loss of innocence and order.
• Consider: How did Lord of the Flies make you feel?

Key Differences: Tone vs Mood

Tone	Mood
The author's attitude towards the subject.	The reader's emotional response.
Example: The use of gruesome imagery to describe death.	Example: Feeling disturbed by violent events in the story.

Exam Tip:

When analysing tone and mood, look for descriptive language, imagery, and word choice to determine how the author creates these effects.