Final answer:
The tone in lines 59-79 reflects an intimate and inquisitive stance, shifting from revelation to questioning, as detected by word choice and punctuation like '-or was it the coldness?-'. Watching out for these shifts in tone is vital in poetry analysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tone, or attitude, expressed in lines 59-79 of a given piece is typically a reflection of the author's emotional or intellectual stance towards the subject. In the initial stanza, the speaker's tone suggests a feeling of intimacy or confidentiality, as though they are revealing something significant to the reader. The tone shifts to being inquisitive as questions are posed, exemplified by a line you mentioned: -or was it the coldness?- This indicates a transition to self-reflection or pondering. External cues for determining tone can include the choice of words, images, and dialogue. For instance, Thomas Hardy's 'Neutral Tones' employs desolate word choices that contribute to the poem's somber and reflective tone.
It's essential to watch out for changes in tone, even within a few lines of a poem, as they are critical to understanding the full meaning and emotional layers of the work. For example, the tone of 'Hamlet' contrasts greatly with that of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream,' highlighting the former's darkness against the latter's light-heartedness. Furthermore, the images and responses they evoke in the reader also play a role in establishing the tone of a poem. Asking oneself about the initial emotional response at the end of each line can give insight into the tone's evolution through the work.