Click the blue link to read the poem “Lost Generation” by Jonathan Reed, then answer the questions below using specific examples from the poem as support. Be sure your response is TWO paragraphs, includes a TAG to introduce the response, and uses the TEA method (Topic, Evidence, Analysis) to organize your writing.
What is the tone (the author’s attitude toward the subject matter) in the poem? What words or phrases helped you identify the tone?
What is the mood (the reader’s feelings) of the poem? What words or phrases created the poem’s mood?
The last line of the poem says “And all of this will come true unless we choose to reverse it.” Read the poem again, but this time, start at the bottom line and read up to the top.
How has the tone of the poem changed? How did changing the order of the lines create a different mood? (Use specific examples from the poem as support.)
The tone of the poem "Lost Generation" by Jonathan Reed is one of warning and concern. The author's attitude towards the subject matter is one of urgency and seriousness. This can be seen in phrases such as "optical illusion" which implies a deception or trickery, as well as "the cycle of progress" which suggests a relentless and inevitable path. These words and phrases help to convey the author's cautionary tone, urging the reader to pay attention and take action.
The mood of the poem is one of foreboding and unease. Words and phrases such as "silent legacy" and "lonely spectacle" create a sense of isolation and sadness. The repeated use of the phrase "lost generation" also contributes to the overall mood of despair and hopelessness. These words and phrases work together to evoke a feeling of concern and melancholy in the reader.
When reading the poem from bottom to top, the tone shifts from one of warning and concern to one of empowerment and hope. By starting with the line "Unless we choose to reverse it," the reader is immediately presented with a call to action. As the reader progresses upwards through the poem, they encounter phrases like "silent voice," "illusionary reality," and "generation quite lost." This reversal of the lines creates a different mood, one where the focus is on the power of choice and the potential for change. The shift in tone from cautionary to hopeful is achieved through the rearrangement of the lines, showcasing the transformative power of reversing the cycle of progress.