tone+in+poetry

displays the attitude of its narrator, especially his/her opinion of the characters and/or events in the story
 * Tone:**

determined by **diction** (word choice) and **syntax** (meaning how the chosen words are phrased, how they're put together in a sentence)

different from **mood**; mood signifies the emotional atmosphere of the story, and how this may effect the reader while they're reading, rather than the exuded emotions of the narrator

code For I have had too much Of apple-picking; I am overtired Of the great harvest I myself desired. (26-8)
 * Example in Frost's "After Apple-Picking"**

code __Effect__: Frost gives his narrator a tone of irony and regret, heavy with weariness. The effect of the tone is to convey one of Frost's messages and perhaps his purpose in writing the poem -- Frost highlights the irony in people working, working, working towards a goal they desire, and in the end being too spent to enjoy the "fruits" or apples of their labour.

code You see me here, you gods, a poor old man As full of grief as age, wretched in both. (2.4.314-5)
 * Example in Shakespeare's //King Lear//**

code __Effect__: Lear's lines carry a tone of bitterness mixed with anguish at his situation; the effect Shakespeare creates evokes pity from the audience as they listen to the once-mighty king, now fallen, despair over his helplessness.

by Frances Nan