Activity 4.3.4: Read the following note and then in pairs/groups, explain how the author’s feelings and emotions are hidden in the text through words. Finally, share your findings in the class:
How the author’s use of tones are reflected in the text
The author’s attitude and feelings towards Mr. Collins are characterized by a mixture of irony, criticism, and perhaps a touch of amusement. The author uses language that conveys a negative and mocking perspective on Mr. Collins’ character, upbringing, and education. Phrases such as “not a sensible man,” “deficiency of nature,” “illiterate and miserly father,” and “self-conceit of a weak head” highlight how the author wanted to portray Mr. Collins. The portrayal of Mr. Collins’ humility is initially countered by self-conceit, and his association with Lady Catherine de Bourgh is shown with irony. While the text remains primarily a mockery, there’s an underlying layer of amusement in the portrayal of Mr. Collins’.
[Excerpt from English Textbook of class IX & X]
Answer the following questions.
a) What specific words or phrases did the author use to describe the character of Mr. Collins?
b) How did the author use those words or phrases to describe Mr. Collins’ character?
c) How does the author’s language affect your idea of Mr. Collins’ character?
d) What emotions did you experience while reading the text? Was it positive, negative, neutral, or sarcastic?
e) Did the tone of the text change at any point? If yes, describe it.
Answer:
a) The author employs certain terms and expressions to characterize Mr. Collins, such as "not a sensible man," "deficiency of nature," "illiterate and miserly father," and "self-conceit of a weak head."
b) The author presents a poor impression of Mr. Collins' personality, background, and education by using these words and phrases. They draw attention to his conceit, lack of intelligence, and bad upbringing.
c) The author's phrasing presents Mr. Collins as naive, conceited, and lacking in self-awareness, which creates a poor impression of him. It implies that Mr. Collins is not someone who should be respected or taken seriously d) Reading the book probably made you feel bad because the author makes fun of and criticizes Mr. Collins in his writing. There might also be a trace of humor and sarcasm at his expense.
e) Throughout, Mr. Collins is treated with constant criticism and mockery in the text's tone. Even though there are tidbits of humor or subtle irony, the general attitude toward his persona is still unfavorable.
Activity 4.3.5: Read the following note on the author first and then the text. Later, discuss the following questions in pairs/groups.
Elwyn Brooks White (1899–1985) was a renowned American author and essayist. He is famous for his classic children’s books like “Charlotte’s Web” and “Stuart Little,” known for their timeless storytelling and touching themes. White also contributed to “The New Yorker” magazine with his humorous and insightful essays. His works continue to captivate readers of all ages with their warmth, wit, and enduring charm. “Charlotte’s Web” is a beloved children’s novel about the friendship between (a small boar) Wilbur and (a tiny spider) Charlotte. Through Charlotte’s web, she conveys messages to save Wilbur’s life, teaching about compassion, friendship, and the cycle of life.
[Excerpt from English Textbook of class IX & X]
Text B: Peace and Acceptance
But I feel peaceful. Your success in the ring this morning was, to a small degree, my success. Your future is assured. You will live, secure and safe, Wilbur. Nothing can harm you now. These autumn days will shorten and grow cold. The leaves will shake loose from the trees and fall. Christmas will come, and the snows of winter. You will live to enjoy the beauty of the frozen world, for you mean a great deal to Zuckerman and he will not harm you, ever. Winter will pass, the days will lengthen, the ice will
melt in the pasture pond. The song sparrow will return and sing, the frogs will awake, the warm wind will blow again. All these sights and sounds and smells will be yours to enjoy, Wilbur-this lovely world, these precious days … [excerpt from Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White]
Let’s check our understanding of the text by answering the questions!
a. What emotions does the speaker convey towards Wilbur in the passage?
b. What do the “frozen world” and “these precious days” mean in the passage?
c. What sense do the imageries of changing seasons, melting ice, returning birds, and awakening frogs convey to you?
d. Identify specific words or phrases in the text that convey a sense of comfort and assurance. Explain which tone is contributed.
e. How does the winter and spring imagery enhance the tone of renewal and anticipation?
Answer:
a. The speaker conveys feelings of reassurance, comfort, and affection towards Wilbur in the passage. There's a sense of protection and care expressed towards Wilbur, assuring him of safety and security.
b. The phrase "these precious days" probably refers to the present and the transient nature of life's pleasures and charms, while the phrase "frozen world" refers to the winter season, which is marked by cold and snow.
c. Seasonal changes, thawing ice, migrating birds, and waking frogs evoke feelings of rebirth, hope, and the cyclical nature of existence. They imply that life goes on and thrives in spite of time and seasonal changes, bringing with it fresh starts and adventures.
d. Certain terms and expressions that imply consolation and confidence are "peaceful," "your future is assured," "secure and safe," "nothing can harm you now," and "these precious days." These phrases add to the sensation of coziness, security, and defense.
e. By emphasizing the cyclical nature of life and the certainty of change, the winter and spring imagery heightens the sense of rebirth and expectation. Winter is a time of difficulties and trials, but springtime brings hope for better times ahead as well as a season of rebirth and growth. The concept of resiliency and the potential for fresh starts is reinforced by the contrast between the chilly, hard winter and the bright, cheerful spring.
Activity 4.3.6: Now, read the text in Activity 4.3.5 again and identify the following tones in the text. You may list your responses in the following grid.
|
Tone |
Example words and sentences in the text |
|
The tone of optimism |
|
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The tone of affection and care |
|
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The tone of challenge and hardship |
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The tone of comfort and security |
|
Answer
|
Tone |
Example words and sentences in the text |
|
The tone of optimism |
"Your future is assured." "Nothing can harm you now." "You will live to enjoy the beauty of the frozen world." |
|
The tone of affection and care |
"Your success in the ring this morning was, to a small degree, my success." "You mean a great deal to Zuckerman and he will not harm you, ever." |
|
The tone of challenge and hardship |
"These autumn days will shorten and grow cold." "The leaves will shake loose from the trees and fall." "Christmas will come, and the snows of winter." |
|
The tone of comfort and security |
"You will live, secure and safe, Wilbur." "All these sights and sounds and smells will be yours to enjoy, Wilbur-this lovely world, these precious days." |
Activity 4.3. 7: Now, read the text A in Activity 4.3.3 and the text B in Activity 4.3.5 again. And discuss in pairs/groups the criteria/points given in the left column in the grid for both texts. Then, fill in the grid with information based on the text A and text B.
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Criteria |
Text A |
Text B |
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Formal |
|
|
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Informal |
|
|
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Choice of words |
|
|
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Voice of author |
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Mood |
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Feelings |
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Answer:
|
Criteria |
Text A |
Text B |
|
Formal |
Yes |
No |
|
Informal |
No |
Yes |
|
Choice of words |
More complex, precise, clear, and formal language |
Simple, straightforward language |
|
Voice of author |
Critical, detached |
Reassuring, caring |
|
Mood |
Negative, critical |
Positive, comforting |
|
Feelings |
Negative, critical |
Positive, caring |
Class IX & X| Activity 4.3.2 and 4.3.3 | Tones in Statements
Class IX & X| Activity 4.1.1, 4.2.1, & 4.2.2 | Tones in Statements
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