Word Choice:
* Formal vs. Informal: Are the words sophisticated or simple? Do they use jargon or everyday language?
* Positive, Negative, or Neutral: Do the words evoke pleasant or unpleasant emotions? Are they objective or subjective?
* Connotative Meanings: What associations do the words carry beyond their literal definitions? For example, "home" might evoke feelings of warmth and safety, while "house" could be more neutral.
Sentence Structure:
* Length and Complexity: Are the sentences short and direct, or long and convoluted?
* Figurative Language: Does the work use metaphors, similes, personification, or other figures of speech?
* Sentence Type: Are there mainly declarative sentences (statements), interrogative (questions), or exclamations?
Overall Structure:
* Genre: What type of work is it? Poetry, prose, play, etc.? Different genres tend to have different conventions and tones.
* Theme: What is the work trying to say about life, the world, or human experience?
* Style: Does the work have a distinct style, such as minimalist, romantic, or gothic?
Context:
* Historical Period: When was the work written? What were the social and cultural norms of that time?
* Author's Background: What are the author's own experiences, beliefs, and values?
* Target Audience: Who is the work intended for? What are their expectations and sensitivities?
Other Considerations:
* Imagery and Symbolism: Do certain images or objects recur throughout the work, and what might they symbolize?
* Sound Devices: Does the work use alliteration, assonance, consonance, or other sound devices to create a particular effect?
* Reader's Perspective: How does the work make you feel? What emotions or thoughts does it evoke?
By analyzing these elements, you can gain a deeper understanding of the tone and connotations of a work, and ultimately appreciate its meaning more fully.