How can you determine the tone of a story?

* Atmosphere is the 'feeling' conveyed by the setting of the story: dark castles on the moors, late night carnivals, birthday parties, hospital operating rooms, etc. * Mood is the 'feeling' conveyed by the dialogue of the characters of the story: arguments, pillow talk, intellectual deduction, etc. * Tone is the 'feeling' conveyed by the narration of the story. If you are attempting to determine the tone of a story pay attention to the narration. Decide on what kind of attitude the narrator has towards you, the reader.

'Now listen up your cretins. I'm going to tell you a story that has an important social significance, not only to you and the rest of your inbred community, but for the entire world as well. Its an important story, like I just said; one well worth you remembering, taking note of and, if at all possible, applying to your not only worthless but unwelcome existences. I've "dumbed" it down as much as I can, even beyond what they use in Canadian Elementary schools, and hope that the university seniors of what is supposedly "the greatest nation in the world" and stay awake long enough to absorb a little of what it is trying to convey. "Convey" that means 'to give to' or at least that close enough for your simple needs right now.'

Now one might be tempted to say of this narrator 'I don't like your tone'.