J.D. Salinger displays many tones in his short story "For Esme - with Love and Squalor." In the beginning the tone is quite scornful and sarcastic towards his mother-in-law and his wife. Next, we see a sensitive and youthful tone, when the narrator, Sergeant X, interacts with children. There is also an angry tone that appears closer to the end of the story that refers to his brother. These tones are shown on several different occasions throughout the story; in each instance the tone describes the narrator's attitude toward the character.

Many times throughout the story the tone of the narrator, Sergeant X, is scornful and sarcastic. For example, in the beginning, he wants to attend Esmes's wedding in England; unfortunately he is convinced by his wife not to go. Although he calls his wife "breathtaking and level headed" we learn later when asked if he was...