For centuries, poets have used tone to evoke a wide variety of emotions in their readers. But what exactly is tone in poetry? To put it simply, tone is the attitude, or ‘feeling’ of the poem. It’s the author’s emotion, shown through the use of words, and the way they are used. Tone is often the difference between a merely average poem, and one that really stands out.
To really understand tone, it helps to look at some examples. Take ‘Sonnet 29’ by William Shakespeare, for example. Here, the poet is expressing deep sadness at isolation and longing for recognition. The tone of the poem is melancholic and resigned. It’s a tone that’s hard to convey without being overly sentimental – but Shakespeare pulls it off beautifully.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, there’s ‘Ode to Joy’ by Ludwig van Beethoven. Here, Beethoven conveys an ecstatic and passionate tone. He’s celebrating humanity and our shared oneness, and his tone conveys that joy. There’s no mistaking the tone of the poem – it’s joyous, triumphant and uplifting.
Perhaps the most fundamental use of tone in poetry is to evoke emotion in the reader. By crafting a particular tone in their poem, the poet can create a certain reaction in the reader, whether that be joy, sadness, or something else. Take ‘Do not go gentle into that good night’ by Dylan Thomas. Here, Thomas conveys a tone of passionate defiance – a refusal to accept death without a fight. This tone has an enormously powerful effect on the reader, and is part of what makes the poem so memorable.
But it’s important to remember that tone isn’t just an emotion. It’s also a tool that can be used to create a certain atmosphere or effect. This is especially true of surrealist poetry, which often uses a mixture of tones to create a distinct atmosphere. Take for example, the poetry of Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Here, Coleridge uses a strange and dreamlike sequence of tones to create an otherworldly mood. It’s a unique and highly original way of creating an atmosphere – and it’s all down to the poet’s careful use of tone.
Ultimately, the use of tone in poetry is an incredibly powerful tool. It can be used to evoke powerful emotions in the reader, create an atmosphere, and give the poem a certain ‘feel’. To truly understand tone in poetry, it helps to look at some examples. There’s no wrong or right way to use tone in poetry – but it’s a skill that all poets should strive to master.
Tone and Metaphor
When talking about tone in poetry, it’s impossible not to mention metaphor. Metaphor is a way of expressing one thing in terms of another, and it can be used to great effect in poetry. A metaphor can be used to give a certain poetic tone to the poem. For example, a poem describing a heartbreak could use the metaphor of stormy seas to convey the emotion of being overwhelmed by sadness.
Metaphor can also be used to convey a subtle subtext within a poem – a poem about a lost love could use the metaphor of a cataclysmic earthquake to describe the rupture of a relationship. Not only is the metaphor evocative, it also conveys a sense of despair and finality. In this way, metaphors can help to add layers to a poem, and give it a certain tone that would be difficult to convey without them.
The use of metaphor in poems also has the added bonus of being creative and unexpected. By using an unorthodox metaphor in a poem, the poet is able to surprise the reader and create a strong emotional reaction. It’s a way of being clever and creative in the use of language, and it can be used to great effect in poetry.
Finally, it’s worth noting that the tone of a poem can be affected by the choice of words. For example, an upbeat and joyful poem could be written with a mix of light and uplifting words. In contrast, a darker and more melancholic poem could be written with a mix of somber and mournful words. Of course, the choice of words also affects the tone of the poem – and it’s a decision that every poet must make.
Tone and Rhythm
The use of tone in poetry often goes hand-in-hand with the use of rhythm. Rhyming words can often help to add emphasis and vitality to a poem. By using carefully chosen words, the poet is able to create a specific rhythm that can add depth to the poem and give it a certain tone. For example, a cheerful poem could be written with a light and bouncy rhythm, while a sadder poem could be written with a slow, rolling rhythm.
Furthermore, the use of rhythm can also help to convey a certain tone to the reader. For example, a poem about love could be written with a more gentle and melodic rhythm, while a poem about conflict could be written with a more energetic and powerful rhythm. The rhythm of a poem can be just as evocative as its words, and can often add an extra layer of meaning and emotion.
Tone and Imagery
The use of imagery can often be an important factor in creating a certain tone in a poem. For example, a poem about happiness could feature imagery of light and airy landscapes, while a poem about sadness could feature imagery of bleak and desolate scenes. By using carefully chosen images, the poet can create a vivid mental picture and convey a certain mood. In this way, imagery can be an invaluable tool in creating a certain tone in a poem.
What’s more, imagery can also be used to create an emotional reaction in the reader. For example, a poem about loss could feature a cliche image of a wilted flower, thus conveying a feeling of sadness and despair to the reader. In this way, imagery can be used to convey a certain tone to the poem – and it’s a powerful tool for any poet.
Tone and Language
Another important factor in creating a certain tone in a poem is the use of language. It’s not just the choice of words, but also the way they’re used – and the way they’re combined with other words. For example, a poem about love could use gentle, soothing language, while a poem about death could use harsh, jarring language. By using language carefully, the poet can create a certain tone in their poem and evoke a certain emotion in the reader.
Furthermore, the use of language can also be used to create a certain atmosphere. For example, a poem about a battle could use evocative and violent language, thus creating a sense of intensity and tension. On the other hand, a poem about a peaceful meadow could use calming and soothing language, thus creating a tranquil and tranquil atmosphere. By using language carefully, the poet can create a certain tone in their poem that can really bring it to life.
Tone and Emotion
Finally, it’s worth noting that the tone of a poem can be affected by the emotions of the poet. No matter how carefully crafted a poem is, if the author is feeling angry or sad, then this emotion can often be felt by the reader. So when writing a poem, it’s important to try to capture the emotions of the moment – otherwise the tone of the poem may not come out as intended.
For example, if a poet is feeling angry, then it will often manifest in their poem as an angry and violent tone. On the other hand, if the poet is feeling happy, then the poem will often express this in a light and cheerful tone. By being mindful of their own emotions, the poet can create a more effective and emotionally charged poem.
Ultimately, the use of tone in poetry is a powerful tool. It can be used to evoke emotion in the reader, create atmosphere, and give the poem a certain feel. To truly understand tone in poetry, it helps to look at some examples. But the most important thing is to be true to one’s own emotions – that is the surest way to create a powerful and evocative poem.
