Intro to Pre-Ap

Tone

The writer's/speaker's attitude toward his/her subject or audience.

This is described by a single adjective (ex. a sarcastic tone, a playful tone, a bitter tone).

Mood

The feeling or atmosphere that the writer creates for the reader using imagery and setting details.

Remember

TONE=Author's Attitude

MOOD= Feeling created for the Reader

Diction

Word choice

Writers choose their words with purpose. If we can analyze diction, it can help us understand their theme and purpose.

In order to analyze diction, we have to be able to analyze a word's DENOTATION and CONNOTATION.

Denotation

The dictionary or literal meaning of a word.

Connotation

All the meanings, associations, or feelings that a word suggests.

Sensory Language

Words and phrases that appeal to the senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell, and/or taste. Sensory details create…

Imagery

Vivid descriptions that create sensory experiences for the reader, creating "word pictures"

Details

The facts included OR omitted by the writer/speaker. The kinds of details that a writer includes about his subject are very helpful in determining his attitude toward that subject or tone.

Language

Look for figurative language. You should be familiar with these terms and their definitions.

Metaphor

Simile

Personification

Symbolism

Alliteration

Hyperbole

Syntax

Sentence Structure.

Look for the way in which the structure reflects attitude, purpose, and meaning.