How to describe tone and attitude in poetry
There is a myriad of words that can be used to describe both tone and attitude. Some of these words have positive connotations while others have negative ones. However, it is worth noting that learners are forbidden to merely describe tone or attitude as either positive or negative because these two terminologies are too wide.
This article has endeavoured to list a few adjectives that can be used to describe tone and attitude. It has gone ahead to give the meanings of the words in order to help K.C.S.E candidates know the exact word to pick in every situation they encounter.
- accusatory-when the persona appears to accuse the subject of the poem
- apathetic-when the persona lacks interest, enthusiasm or concern for something
- indifferent-poems that use this tone have personas who are unconcerned or having no sympathy
- bitter-showing extreme anger or hatred or resentment because of a past painful or unjust experience.
- cynical-a cynical persona lacks trust in human sincerity--they believe that human beings are always motivated by selfish interest
- condescending-this is when the persona appears to have a patronizing superiority over the subject.He/she behaves in a manner that suggests that they are better than the subject.
- callous-the persona is insensitive and cruelly disregarding others
- contemplative-having prolonged thought
- choleric-the persona is clearly irritable or in very bad temper
- critical-the speaker shows strong disapproval
- contemptuous-showing scorn or contempt
- caustic-this is when the persona refers to the subject using bitter sarcasm
- conventional-indicating conformity to societal norms
- disdainful-this is a situation where the speaker displays hatred and lack of respect for the subject
- didactic-having moral teaching--meant to teach
- derisive-a situation where the persona expresses mockery or contempt towards the subject
- erudite--the persona shows an enormous amount of knowledge/they appear learned
- earnest-the persona shows sincerity in the manner in which they pass the message
- fanciful--the speaker talks big, mainly about things that are over-imagined and unrealistic
- forthright--the persona speaks frankly, directly or outspokenly
- formal-speaking in a manner that depicts an official setting/context
- informal--speaking in a manner that depicts a context that is not official. Mostly, there are no limitations with regards to the words to use. In fact, slung, direct translation and code-mixing are predominantly used.
- gloomy--indicating a feeling of sadness that borders on depression
- haughty--the persona shows a feeling of superiority and is arrogantly disdainful
- indignant--expressing annoyance or anger towards an unjust treatment.
- intimate--expressing closeness and privacy to the subject
- judgmental--being critical and drawing conclusions about the subject, especially negative conclusions.
- jovial--the speaker appears to be very happy about the subject.
- lyrical--expressing inner feelings/emotions in a poetic manner.
- matter-of-fact--the persona is concerned with speaking the truth as it is without emotion and style
- mocking--talking about the subject in a manner that suggests ridiculing them.
- morose--sullen as a result of ill-temper
- malicious--appearing to be having a motive to do evil to somebody
- objective--making a personal judgment that is free of bias
- optimistic--showing a lot of hope for a better future
- obsequious--appearing to be obedient and polite but with a view to obtaining something
- patronizing--sounding superior to the addressee (s)
- pessimistic--having no hope
- quizzical--being amused and puzzled
- ribald--behaving or speaking in an offensive manner, especially when referring to sexual matters.
- reverent--the speaker talks about a subject with a lot of respect and honour
- ridiculing-the persona makes fun of the subject/mocks the subject
- reflective--the persona exhibits a lot of inner thoughts
- sarcastic--talking about the subject sneeringly or in an ironic manner
- sardonic--the speaker is sarcastic in a bitter way
- satirical--criticizing in a comic manner/ridiculing in order to show weakness
- sincere--the persona speaks without deceiving or ostentation
- solemn--reflecting in a very sad manner
- sanguineous--cheerfully optimistic/confident/hopeful
- whimsical-amusingly/appealingly fanciful
You can go through sample analyzed poems to contextualize the use of some of the words above.
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ReplyDeleteGood job mwalimu.
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