Final answer:
The tone of "A Psalm of Life" and "Auspex" is both reflective and contemplative. They differ in their emotional approach to the theme of death, and the comparison of their tones reflects their unique perspectives and historical influences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tone shared by "A Psalm of Life" and "Auspex" can be best described as reflective and contemplative, as both are elegies. However, they reveal different attitudes towards death and commemoration. Elegies typically express a poet's lament for the dead, yet also reflect on the larger implications of life and mortality. A common characteristic of these elegies is their solemn and respectful tone, finding a balance between grief and the philosophical understanding of life's fleeting nature. The comparison of the tone of the opening lines and titles, alongside the historical context of when the poems were written, can unveil the unique emotional coloring each poet uses to approach the theme of death. Kathleen Doyle notes the innovative representation of Psalms in illustrated manuscripts, indicating a nuanced interpretation of the texts. Thus, when studying these poems and their tones, one also uncovers the artistic and historical layers influencing the poets' works.