by Jonathan Reed, then answer the questions below using specific examples from the poem as support. Be sure your response is TWO paragraphs, includes a TAG to introduce the response, and uses the TEA method (Topic, Evidence, Analysis) to organize your writing. What is the tone (the author’s attitude toward the subject matter) in the poem? What words or phrases helped you identify the tone? What is the mood (the reader’s feelings) of the poem? What words or phrases created the poem’s mood? The last line of the poem says “And all of this will come true unless we choose to reverse it.” Read the poem again, but this time, start at the bottom line and read up to the top. How has the tone of the poem changed? How did changing the order of the lines create a different mood? (Use specific examples from the poem as support.)
In Jonathan Reed's poem, the tone is initially dark and foreboding as he lists out negative aspects of society. Words and phrases such as "lost," "corruption," and "hatred" help identify this tone. Reed's attitude towards the subject matter seems critical and urgent, as he presents a bleak view of the world. The tone shifts towards hope and empowerment in the last line when he offers a solution to prevent the negative outcomes. This change is evident through the use of words like "unless we choose to reverse it," which implies that there is a way to change the current trajectory.
The mood of the poem fluctuates from despair to optimism. Initially, the reader may feel overwhelmed by the negativity portrayed in the poem, and this mood is created through phrases like "failure," "greed," and "disease." However, as the poem progresses and ultimately ends with a call to action, the mood shifts to one of determination and possibility. By changing the order of the lines and reading the poem from bottom to top, the tone transitions from hopeful and encouraging to dreadful and hopeless. For example, starting with the last line, which offers a solution, the reader is filled with a sense of empowerment. But as they work their way up, they encounter all the societal issues mentioned, leading to a feeling of helplessness. The intentional rearrangement of the lines creates a powerful impact on the reader, showcasing the contrast between the potential for change and the grim reality.