Tone & Diction

I am on page 124 of Silas Marner by George Eliot-the diction throughout the novel is very different from the style of diction used in most novels today. The diction in the novel varied from character to narrator which is evident when reading and noticing that the narrator’s style of diction was more serious and formal where the characters use of diction was more informal. An example of this communication between characters is demonstrated by, “Confound you, hold your tongue!” said Godfrey, impetuously. “And take care to keep sober to-morrow, else you’ll get pitched on your head coming home, and Wildfire might be the worse for it.”
“Make your tender heart easy,” said Dunstan, opening the door. “You never knew me see double when I’d got a bargain to make; it ‘ud spoil the fun. Besides, whenever I fall, I’m warranted to fall on my legs.” (116). These quotes go perfectly with the flow and diction used throughout the course of the storyline and depicts the style of communication well.
In addition the tone throughout the novel revolved around morals and the unwillingness to compromise any morals or ethics for social acceptance and reveals an immense amount of sympathy for all characters involved. The tone can change to be a bit condescending at times mainly stays positive and focused on morals and sympathy for tragedies and hardships that have fallen upon the characters.