Final answer:
The tone in the provided stanza begins as intimate but then shifts to inquisitive, with the rhetorical question implying a sense of puzzlement or wonderment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tone of a poem reflects the poet's attitude toward the subject matter or the audience. In the provided stanza, which questions '-or was it the coldness?', the tone begins as intimate, creating a connection between the speaker and the reader. This closeness suggests the speaker is sharing something significant or private. As the poem progresses, the tone shifts to inquisitive, demonstrated by the rhetorical question posed, which indicates a sense of wonderment or puzzlement. When analyzing tone, we consider not only the literal meaning of the words but also their connotation and the emotions they evoke. Words with positive or negative associations, as well as questions and exclamations, contribute to the poem's tone.
Additionally, shifts in tone can occur within a single line or over several lines. This change can be subtle or more pronounced, depending on the poet's choice of words and the sequence in which they are placed. It can signal a change in the speaker's perspective or highlight a particular theme or idea. For example, the shift from a sharing to a questioning tone may suggest a transition from certainty to doubt or from composure to confusion.