"Tone Control" explores the subtle yet powerful ways poets use punctuation and syntax to shape a poem's emotional impact. It argues that tone isn't just an abstract feeling but a deliberate construct achieved through careful linguistic choices. For example, a comma can create hesitation, while a period can convey assertiveness, demonstrating how poets manipulate these tools to evoke specific responses. This book offers a unique perspective by focusing on measurable linguistic features, moving beyond subjective impressions.

The book examines how punctuation, often seen merely as grammatical, functions as a tool for pacing and emotional coloring. Similarly, the arrangement of words, or syntax, can create formality, urgency, or even chaos. Diving into these mechanics unlocks a richer appreciation of poetic expression and refines our understanding of language's emotive capabilities.

The book systematically progresses, beginning with fundamental concepts and culminating in case studies that analyze poems from different periods and styles.