The Censors/The Leader in the Mirror

The Censors/The Leader in the Mirror

Literary Analysis: Tone

The tone of a work is the writer’s attitude toward his or her subject and audience. Tone is closely related to voice, the personality that a writer shows to readers. For example, in “The Censors,” Louisa Valenzuela uses a matter-of-fact tone. Her voice is calm and detached. Pat Mora, on the other hand, uses a serious, somewhat formal tone in “The Leader in the Mirror.” Her voice is respectful.

Literary Analysis: Tone

Tone may be conveyed by several elements, including the details the writer chooses to include: the diction, or word choice, that the writer uses, and the direct statements of the writer's feelings. When Mora writes that her speech to young people would be an “occasion for reflection,” she chooses words that reflect the seriousness of the task—and also of the essay that she is writing.

Multiple Choice

Which selection's tone makes you feel as if you are chatting with the author at a party?

• The Censors

• The Leader in the Mirror

Multiple Choice

Which selection's tone is at odds with what is being discussed or described?

• The Censors

• The Leader in the Mirror

Multiple Choice

For what occasion does the author write the speech she describes in “The Leader in the Mirror”?

• a high school graduation ceremony

• a gathering of newspaper reporters in El Paso, Texas

• a banquet for high-achieving high school students

• a ceremony that welcomes new immigrants to America

Multiple Choice

In “The Leader in the Mirror,” what is the imaginary confetti for?

• celebrating the banquet’s guests of honor

• Mora’s children’s birthday parties

• celebrating Mora’s outstanding speech

• private celebrations of success

Multiple Choice

Read this sentence from “The Leader in the Mirror.”

I urged the students (and all of us) to ponder the strength of the mountains around us, to rise to the challenges.

In this sentence, what is the author’s attitude toward the reader?

• pity

• disgust

• respect

• affection

Multiple Choice

What is the main idea of the speech Mora describes in “The Leader in the Mirror”?

• To become true leaders, today’s young people should stay connected to their cultural roots.

• To become good citizens, today’s young people should respect what their leaders say and do.

• To become skilled speakers, today’s young people should use the “imaginary gift” strategy.

• To become true Americans, today’s young people should turn away from their culture of origin.

Multiple Choice

What belief do the authors of “The Censors” and “The Leader in the Mirror” share?

• that people should have more loyalty to their government

• that some societies treat some citizens badly

• that many people have lost their respect for leaders

• that most people's actions are based on reality

Multiple Choice

In “The Censors,” why does Juan take a job as a censor?

• to retrieve his own letter

• to serve the government

• to find Mariana

• to please his mother

Multiple Choice

In “The Censors,” why does Juan make a good censor?

• because he believes censorship is good

• because he helps people in need

• because he is focused

• because he is a good manager

Multiple Choice

At the end of “The Censors,” which event leads to Juan’s death?

• He quits.

• He turns himself in.

• His boss finds his letter.

• He becomes ill.

Multiple Choice

In “The Censors,” what voice does the speaker use to narrate the story?

• casual and unconcerned

• sincere and sympathetic

• disgusted

• worried

Multiple Choice

What is the tone of these sentences from “The Censors”?

His zeal brought him swift promotion. We don't know if this made him happy.

• angry

• humorous

• unconcerned

• annoyed

Multiple Choice

Which of these phrases from “The Censors” and “The Leader in the Mirror” has a solemn tone?

• His basket for censored letters became the best fed. . . .

• For if we are shaped by our surroundings, we in turn shape them.

• I knew I would be very popular with the students if I could give them keys to a new red car. . . .

• Well, you've got to beat them to the punch. . . .

Multiple Choice

What tone does each author use?

• Valenzuela uses a stern tone, while Mora uses a gentle one.

• Both use a humorous tone.

• Valenzuela uses a detached tone, while Mora uses a serious one.

• Both use an angry tone.

Multiple Choice

Which of these do both authors reflect upon in their selections?

• society at large

• fame

• the future of the nation

• writing

Multiple Choice

In “The Censors,” what is Juan’s original aspiration?

• to destroy the Post Office's Censorship Division

• to retrieve his letter

• to reach Marianna

• to get a job at the Post Office

Multiple Choice

In “The Leader in the Mirror,” which does the author view as an inheritance?

• the photograph of El Paso

• a new red car

• family stories

• her speech