Final answer:
Mark Twain's tone in the narrative starts with confidence and evolves into doubt and tension, mainly driven by dialogue, vivid description, and shifts in the mood created by the characters and plot development. This change in tone reinforces the theme of the importance of trust in one's knowledge over fear.
Step-by-step explanation:
Over the course of his piece, Twain's tone evolves significantly, beginning with a confident, almost brash, attitude that slowly turns into self-doubt and anxiety. This shift is masterfully conveyed through the use of vivid details and imagery, as Twain describes his growing nervousness under the watchful eyes of the crew and the challenging circumstances of running a crossing.
Gradually, the dialogue between the characters heightens the tension, shifting the tone from assured to unsure, and culminates in a revelation of a trick being played on Twain, which resolves the tension into a mix of relief and lingering embarrassment. Despite this, Twain's storytelling weaves in the underlying theme about relying on one's training over succumbing to fear.
The noticeable change in tone over the narrative adds depth to the story, creating an engaging arc that mirrors the internal conflict. Starting with confidence, moving through tension and anxiety, and eventually leading to the release of tension in the falling action, Twain's expert use of the English language pulls readers into the emotional journey. His descriptions, use of dialogue, and choice of style all serve to make the text relatable and impactful.