Final answer:
Cynical tone is established through words with negative connotations like 'snarling' and 'stomped', and through sarcastic phrases such as 'Big surprise!'. The tone influences how a narrative is perceived, as seen in Austen's ironic writing style and the alteration of tone through word choice to meet rhetorical expectations.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine which words establish a cynical tone, one should look for language that suggests skepticism or contemptuous disbelief. In the provided examples, words that set such a tone include snarling, stomped, and phrases like "Big surprise!" where the cynicism is evident through sarcasm. Additionally, Austen's use of irony as described in the statement about Northanger Abbey further underscores a subtly cynical tone; the writer's strategy to deflate enthusiasm can be seen as a form of mild cynicism as well.
The choice of tone can significantly alter the reader's perception of a text. For instance, replacing words with negative connotations to those with a more positive tone or using a proud tone instead of an embarrassed one can change the story's effect on the reader. Lastly, it is essential to consider the author's intent in the tone, which may include meeting or challenging rhetorical expectations effectively.
In summarizing the ironic, sarcastic, or literally cynical tone, we can see that tone is a flexible tool in storytelling, shaping how a narrative is received and interpreted by the reader. The chosen words and dialogue, like in the case of the captain in the text, reveal much about the underlying emotional or critical attitude of the narration.