Intonation: A Literary Device

Intonation: Etymology, Literal and Conceptual Meanings

Etymology/Term:

The term “intonation” originates from the Latin word “intonatio,” which means a chanting or singing. In linguistics, intonation refers to the variation of pitch while speaking. It involves the rise and fall of the pitch of the voice during speech, impacting the meaning and interpretation of utterances.

Literal Meanings:

• Pitch Variation: Intonation involves changes in pitch, including rising and falling tones, which contribute to the melody of speech.
• Stress and Emphasis: It includes the emphasis placed on certain words or syllables through pitch variations, influencing the overall meaning of a sentence.

Conceptual Meanings:

• Emotional Expression: Intonation plays a crucial role in conveying emotions, with rising tones often associated with questions or excitement, and falling tones with statements or seriousness.
• Intent and Attitude: The way pitch varies can signify different attitudes, such as confidence, uncertainty, or sarcasm, contributing to the overall interpretation of spoken language.
• Pragmatic Functions: Intonation aids in indicating the speaker’s intention, whether it be making a statement, asking a question, or expressing doubt, enriching the communicative aspects of language.

Intonation: Definition as a Literary Device

In literature, intonation refers to the tonal quality or emotional inflection conveyed through the written words. It involves the use of specific linguistic cues, such as punctuation, rhythm, and choice of words, to evoke a particular emotional or tonal atmosphere in the reader’s mind. Authors utilize intonation strategically to shape the mood, emphasis, and overall tone of their written work, enhancing the reader’s interpretative experience.

Intonation: Examples in Everyday Life

1. Questioning Tone:
   • When someone raises their pitch towards the end of a sentence, it indicates a question. For instance, “You’re coming to the party?” expresses uncertainty or seeks confirmation.
2. Excitement and Joy:
   • A higher and animated pitch often accompanies expressions of excitement or joy. For example, a person might say, “I can’t believe I won!” with a noticeable rise in pitch.
3. Serious or Authoritative Tone:
   • Lowering the pitch can convey seriousness or authority. In a workplace, a manager might say, “We need to discuss your performance,” with a downward inflection, indicating the gravity of the conversation.
4. Expressing Surprise:
   • A sudden and sharp rise in pitch can convey surprise. For instance, if someone says, “You did what?” the elevated pitch signifies astonishment or disbelief.
5. Conveying Sarcasm:
   • Changes in pitch can also convey sarcasm. Saying, “Oh, great job,” with a particular intonation can suggest the opposite of the literal meaning, indicating dissatisfaction or disappointment.

Intonation in Literature: Shakespearean Examples

Play/Work	Example	Explanation
Romeo and Juliet	“But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks?”	The rising intonation in Romeo’s soliloquy expresses his amazement and admiration upon seeing Juliet’s window, highlighting the romantic tone.
Macbeth	“Is this a dagger which I see before me?”	Macbeth’s questioning intonation conveys his internal conflict and uncertainty as he grapples with the vision of the dagger before him.
Hamlet	“To be or not to be, that is the question.”	Hamlet’s contemplative intonation emphasizes the existential nature of the question, inviting the audience to ponder the complexities of life.
Othello	“O, beware, my lord, of jealousy!”	Iago’s warning carries a heightened pitch, intensifying the urgency and emphasizing the destructive power of jealousy in this tragic play.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream	“The course of true love never did run smooth.”	Lysander’s reflective intonation conveys the enduring challenges of love, setting the tone for the comedic and romantic elements in the play.

Intonation in Literature: Examples

1. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens:
   • “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
   • The contrasting intonation in this famous opening emphasizes the dual nature of the era, setting the stage for the novel’s exploration of social dichotomies.
2. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald:
   • “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”
   • The poetic intonation of these closing lines contributes to the melancholic and reflective mood, encapsulating the novel’s themes of nostalgia and the inevitability of time.
3. Macbeth’s Soliloquy in Macbeth by William Shakespeare:
   • “Out, out, brief candle!”
   • The descending intonation in Macbeth’s soliloquy accentuates the despair and brevity of life, reflecting his realization of the futility of his actions.
4. I Have a Dream by Martin Luther King Jr.:
   • “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
   • King’s powerful and rhythmic intonations in this iconic speech enhances the emotional impact, emphasizing the dream of equality and justice.
5. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger:
   • Holden Caulfield’s colloquial and often sarcastic intonations throughout the novel contributes to the authentic portrayal of his teenage angst and rebellion, capturing the essence of adolescent speech patterns.

Intonation in Literature: Relevance in Literary Theories

Literary Theory	Relevance in Intonation
Psychoanalytic Theory	– Intonationss reflects characters’ emotional states, providing insights into their psyche.
Feminist Theory	– Examining how intonations convey gender roles and power dynamics in dialogue.
Marxist Theory	– Analyzing how intonations may reflect social class distinctions and power struggles.
Reader-Response Theory	– Emphasizing the impact of intonations on reader interpretation and emotional engagement.
Postcolonial Theory	– Exploring how intonations may be influenced by colonial language dynamics and power shifts.

Intonation in Literature: Relevant Terms

Term	Definition
Pitch Variation	Changes in the frequency of sound waves, impacting intonation.
Stress and Emphasis	Placing importance on specific words or syllables for effect.
Tonal Quality	The distinctive sound characteristics of a speaker’s voice.
Rising Intonation	Pitch ascending, often indicating questions or uncertainty.
Falling Intonation	Pitch descending, commonly used in declarative statements.
Melody of Speech	The musical quality created by the rise and fall of pitch.
Emotional Inflection	Conveying feelings through variations in pitch and tone.
Pragmatic Functions	Using intonation to signal intentions, such as questioning or asserting.
Expressive Tone	Using pitch to reflect the emotional or attitudinal aspect of speech.
Speech Prosody	Patterns of stress and intonation in language.

Intonation in Literature: Suggested Readings

1. Cisneros, Sandra. The House on Mango Street. Vintage, 1984.
2. Dickens, Charles. A Tale of Two Cities. Penguin Classics, 2003.
3. Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 2004.
4. King Jr., Martin Luther. I Have a Dream. HarperOne, 2011.
5. Salinger, J.D. The Catcher in the Rye. Little, Brown and Company, 1951.
6. Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. Oxford University Press, 2008.
7. Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Simon & Schuster, 2003.
8. Shakespeare, William. A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Signet, 1998.
9. Shakespeare, William. Romeo and Juliet. Oxford University Press, 2008.
10. Twain, Mark. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Dover Publications, 1994.