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More about Tone
More about Tone
Let's look at chapter 29, "Four Skinny Trees". This is one of my favorite chapters in the whole book. I want to spend some time digging in deep to this chapter and looking at how the word choice, syntax, and figurative language create tone and help establish the theme.
This is a short chapter, just 19 sentences. I want you to do what is sometimes called a "deep reading" of each sentence. You can copy this onto a separate piece of paper, or you can click the "make a copy" button to open a document on your computer so you can type it (I think this only works if you have a Google account or Gmail). You do not have to send this to me, but I'd like you do work on it and spend some time looking at the word choice and figurative language in each sentence of this chapter.
You don't have to have an answer for every box. For example, the sentence "They teach." has personification, but it does not have interesting adverbs or adjectives.
Email me the answers to these questions: iolson@tacomacommunityhouse.org
Email me the answers to these questions: iolson@tacomacommunityhouse.org
1.) Who is the speaker of the chapter?
1.) Who is the speaker of the chapter?
2.) What is the subject of the chapter? In other words, what is the chapter about?
2.) What is the subject of the chapter? In other words, what is the chapter about?
3.) What is one good adjective used by the speaker to describe their attitude toward the subject?
3.) What is one good adjective used by the speaker to describe their attitude toward the subject?
4.) What do you think the title meant before you read it?
4.) What do you think the title meant before you read it?
5.) What is the theme meaning of this chapter?
5.) What is the theme meaning of this chapter?
Email me your response: iolson@tacomacommunityhouse.org
Email me your response: iolson@tacomacommunityhouse.org
Using “Four Skinny Trees” as a model, write a vignette (short story) about a familiar object in your home or neighborhood. Like the four skinny trees in this chapter, this object should be a metaphor or symbol. From this object, a theme or lesson should be learned. Use figurative language, like metaphor, simile, or personification. Pay attention to your word choice and how it changes your tone.
Using “Four Skinny Trees” as a model, write a vignette (short story) about a familiar object in your home or neighborhood. Like the four skinny trees in this chapter, this object should be a metaphor or symbol. From this object, a theme or lesson should be learned. Use figurative language, like metaphor, simile, or personification. Pay attention to your word choice and how it changes your tone.
***Remember: good word choice doesn't always mean choosing longer, bigger words!***
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