Answer:
Diction, tone, and syntax:
The diction in the poem "The Moon" by Robert Louis Stevenson is simple and straightforward, with words and phrases that are easy to understand. The tone of the poem is playful and whimsical, with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the beauty of the moon. The syntax is relatively simple, with short, straightforward sentences that convey the poet's message clearly.
Meaning:
The poem describes the moon and its effects on nature and the world around us. The moon is personified as having a face like a clock, and it is described as shining on various things, including thieves on a garden wall, streets, fields, and harbour quays. The poem also describes how animals such as cats, mice, dogs, and bats are active at night under the light of the moon. However, flowers and children go to sleep at night and wait for the sun to rise in the morning.
The poem suggests that the moon has a special power over the natural world, and that it affects the behaviour of different creatures in different ways. The playful tone of the poem suggests that the poet is fascinated by the moon and its effects, and that he sees beauty in the way that it illuminates the world at night.
Overall, the poem celebrates the beauty and wonder of the natural world, and encourages the reader to appreciate the simple pleasures of life, such as watching the moon rise and observing the behaviour of animals under its light.