Final answer:
The tone of "The Pig" by Roald Dahl shifts from intimate and confessional to inquisitive, with elements of irony and playfulness, shaped by the author's strategic word choice.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tone of Roald Dahl's poem The Pig can be interpreted as initially intimate and confessional, given the implied closeness between the speaker and the reader in the opening stanza. As the poem progresses, the tone shifts to a more inquisitive nature, especially when the speaker presents questions like "-or was it the coldness?-".
Through the strategic use of diction, such as selecting specific words to evoke certain feelings or attitudes, the author crafts a tone that might also include elements of irony or playfulness. Examining the overall word choice and the context, the tone is multifaceted.
It could range from a sense of wonder to a satirical approach towards the subject matter, often inherent in Dahl's writing. Recognizing shifts in tone is essential for understanding the nuances of a poem, as the tone can quickly change within a few lines, affecting the reader's perception of the intended message and emotions.