Final answer:
The tone of a story or poem is reflected in the author's word choice and can evoke various moods in the reader. A fragmented narrative style or vivid details can contribute to the tone and influence how readers connect with the text. The voice of the narrator, whether casual or formal, can change the tone and mood of the story.
Step-by-step explanation:
To describe the narrator's tone throughout a story, you should consider the author's word choice and how it reflects their attitude towards the subject or audience. The tone might be formal, informal, sarcastic, or playful, for example. Words such as "joyful" instead of "happy" or "seething" instead of "angry" can significantly shape the tone. In essence, these word choices can create a unique tone that influences the reader's mood—whether it be gloomy, happy, or tense.
For instance, the fragmented style of a narrative can affect readers by making them feel disoriented or engaged in piecing together the storyline. Vivid details and descriptions, like those used by Mark Twain, allow readers to connect deeply with the text. The emotional state of the narrator, as conveyed through their voice, also shapes the mood of the story, impacting how events are perceived. Depending on whether the voice is light-hearted or formal, the same events can evoke different feelings.
Therefore, the tone is deeply intertwined with the narrative voice and can change over the course of a story. When analyzing the tone of a poem or story, it is vital to identify specific words, phrases, or descriptive details that contribute to the overall atmosphere and emotional resonance of the work.