Author's Tone and Diction

cynical

negative/distrustful view of human integrity or sincerity, expecting the worst outcomes (thinks everyone is selfish)

Contemptuous/Disdainful

showing lack of respect for others and a belief that they are inferior or unworthy

Indignant

feeling or showing anger or annoyance at perceived unfair treatment

Sarcastic

saying the opposite of what you really mean to mock, tease

Scornful

expressing strong dislike or lack of respect

Disillusioned

disappointed after realizing something isn't as good as expected

Critical

finding faults or disapproving

Somber

serious, dark, or gloomy

Objective

not taking sides; just the facts

Ambiguous

unclear or having more than one meaning

Undermine

weaken

Underscore

To highlight or emphasize something

Personification

Giving human traits to nonhuman things

Simile

A comparison using “like” or “as”

Metaphor

A direct comparison without “like” or “as”

Tone

The poet’s attitude toward the subject

Mood

feeling the reader gets

Nevertheless / Nonetheless

Contrast

Namely

to introduce something specific

That is,

to clarify or specify

Ambivalent

Having mixed feelings

Resigned

Accepting something unpleasant without resistance

Poignant

Evoking strong feelings

Denotation

literal, dictionary definition of a word

connotation

emotional or cultural associations a word carries beyond its literal meaning