what if I say that the tone of 'Legal Alien' is uncomfortable and complicated as she describes the harships being faced?
And for Harlem, can I just say that the tone seems calm as he compares the deffered dreams to unpleasant things? ..I really need help with this...
Thanks
-MC
Are you clear on what tone is?
"Tone is the attitude that an author takes toward the audience, the subject, or the character. Tone is conveyed through the author's words and details."
from (Broken Link Removed)
http://web.cn.edu/kwheeler/lit_terms_T.html
http://www.tnellen.com/cybereng/lit_terms/
You need to think a little deeper.
Does Harlem "feel" calm....Look at these words -
dry up, fester sore— stink rotten
crust sags heavy explode
Uncomfortable...yes definitely. Again look at the words
perhaps exotic,
perhaps inferior, definitely different,
a handy token
sliding back and forth
between the fringes of both worlds
by masking the discomfort
of being pre-judged
When analyzing the tone of a poem or any piece of literature, it's important to remember that tone is subjective and can be interpreted differently by different readers. However, I can provide you with some insights on how to support your interpretation.
In the poem "Legal Alien," written by Pat Mora, the speaker describes the challenges and complexities of living in between two cultures. To argue that the tone is uncomfortable and complicated as she describes the hardships, you can look for specific words, phrases, or imagery in the poem that evoke such feelings. Pay attention to the language used to describe the experiences and emotions of being a "legal alien." Are there any words that convey a sense of discomfort, confusion, or isolation? Are there any metaphors or similes that add complexity to the speaker's narrative? By examining these elements, you can provide evidence for your interpretation of the uncomfortable and complicated tone.
Regarding the poem "Harlem" by Langston Hughes, where the speaker discusses deferred dreams, you mention that the tone seems calm as he compares deferred dreams to unpleasant things. To support this interpretation, you can analyze the speaker's language and use of imagery. Look for words or phrases that create a sense of tranquility or a peaceful mood. Additionally, consider how the comparisons made in the poem contribute to the overall tone. Do the comparisons align with negative or unpleasant things? How does that contrast with the calm tone you perceive? By focusing on the poem's language and imagery, you can provide a strong argument for your interpretation of the calm tone in "Harlem."
Remember to refer to specific lines, words, and literary devices used in the poems to substantiate your claims about the tones. Additionally, it can be helpful to explain why you perceive a particular tone based on your understanding of the poem's themes, symbols, and overall context.