Text and Tone in Nancy Carlson's Take Time to Relax


    The text [of Take Time to Relax] helps set the tone of the story. In the beginning, when discussing the hectic and seemingly exhausting schedule of Tina and her parents, the text and punctuation are monotone and don't indicate much excitement. The sentences seem to all begin with "On Monday," "On Tuesday," "On Wednesday," and then simply continue with what events occurred on that particular day. This seems to indicate repetition in their daily lives, a phenomenon that leaves the family little time to spend together.

    However, after it has snowed and they have to stay home, the tone of the text seems to change with the shift in the attitudes of the characters. The use of exclamation points at first seems to indicate distress and then later on to indicate enthusiasm. One particular passage indicating distress is shown through Tina's response to being snowed in, "But I have computer club and dance." However, after realizing that they finally have time to relax and spend some time together, their enthusiasm begins to show: "Let's make a big breakfast!" said Mom.

          - Steve Stillman, September 1999
       

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      Last updated: October 3, 1999