Words and Phrases:
* Negativity: "hopeless," "despair," "gloomy," "futile," "worthless," "doomed," "tragic," "shattered," "broken," "ruined," "bleak," "grim."
* Doubt and Uncertainty: "uncertain," "doubtful," "fearful," "anxious," "suspicious," "apprehensive," "hesitant."
* Loss and Suffering: "pain," "grief," "suffering," "loss," "defeat," "failure," "sacrifice."
* Negative Comparisons: "worse," "less," "inferior," "deteriorating," "declining."
* Causality: "always," "never," "nothing will change," "it's inevitable."
Sentence Structure and Style:
* Short, choppy sentences: Create a sense of urgency and despair.
* Passive voice: Emphasizes the feeling of helplessness and lack of control.
* Repetitive phrasing: Can emphasize negativity and despair.
* Rhetorical questions: Express doubt and uncertainty.
* Figurative language: Metaphors, similes, and imagery can evoke feelings of darkness, hopelessness, and decay.
Context and Tone:
* Character Actions: Are they giving up easily? Making self-defeating choices? Showing signs of withdrawal?
* Character Thoughts: Are they expressing pessimism? Focusing on negative aspects of their situation?
* Setting: Is the environment described as gloomy, barren, or desolate?
* Themes: Does the work explore themes of loss, suffering, or the futility of hope?
Remember:
* Subtlety: Pessimism doesn't always scream from the page. Look for subtle hints and clues.
* Irony: A character may express optimism while their actions or words reveal a deeper pessimism.
By considering these factors, you can identify a pessimistic tone even in subtle forms.