Final answer:
The tone of 'The Black Cat' by Liam O'Flaherty is characterized by darkness, intensity, and a reflective nature, demonstrated through language that underscores the characters' pain, struggles, and internal conflicts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tone of 'The Black Cat' by Liam O'Flaherty can be described as dark, intense, and reflective. The narrative reveals a tense and somber mood through its various scenarios of introspection, human suffering, and grim realities. For instance, phrases like "shadowed by pain", "dull plash of the rain", and "sickened with disgust" emphasize the darker and more melancholic aspects of the story. These elements contribute to an overall tone that is emotionally charged and descriptive, allowing the reader to feel a deep sense of empathy for the characters' plight and internal conflicts. Furthermore, comparisons like the one about the tawny cat and the Sun-god represent the underlying struggles between light and darkness, adding symbolic depth to the narrative. The first stanza's direct connection with the reader and subsequent inquiry increases the story's emotional weight, highlighting the reflective nature of the tone.