Final answer:
The tone of the passage is serious, primarily developed by the words 'suffered' and 'dark' which convey a feeling of distress and gloom.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tone of a passage can be described as the attitude or feeling conveyed by the speaker or author in their writing. In the provided example the serious tone is developed by words that may hold negative connotations or suggest a darker mood. The words 'suffered' and 'dark' are particularly effective at reinforcing the serious tone. 'Suffered' evokes a sense of distress or hardship, and 'dark' suggests an absence of light or hope, often associated with somber or grave scenarios. When assessing tone, consider the emotional reaction to the poem, whether the poem is telling a story, exploring feelings, describing something, or playing with language, as each of these can guide you towards understanding the tone.