Tone and Mood

Tone

• Definition: The attitude or feeling created by the author through dialogue and characters' speech.
• Characters sometimes speak in a sarcastic or mocking tone, especially when frustrated or angry.
• Examples:
  • Act 2, Scene 1: Isabel wants Thami to stay but knows he will not. She sarcastically says, "Well don't waste your time here." (pg. 85) – meaning she actually wants him to stay.
  • Act 2, Scene 1: Mr M, angry with Thami's political views, sarcastically says, "Oh Thami… you learn your lessons so well!" (pg. 87).
• The tone changes throughout the play, depending on dialogue and characters' emotions:
  • When characters argue, the tone is angry.
  • When conflicts are resolved, the tone becomes calm and hopeful.
  • Some scenes have a light-hearted or humorous tone.
• Stage directions (e.g., [pause] or [laughs]) indicate tone shifts.

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Mood

• Definition: The overall feeling experienced by the audience while reading or watching the play.
  • Created through:
  • Setting
  • Props
  • Actors' voices and movements

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