What device is used to modify the tone in these lines from the passage?
Not long after that I was fired for writing a poem on the lid of a shoebox.

It always came upon me unawares, taking me altogether by surprise.

Question

What device is used to modify the tone in these lines from the passage?
Not long after that I was fired for writing a poem on the lid of a shoebox.

It always came upon me unawares, taking me altogether by surprise.

e.mccormick · Answer

Might want to try in the English section.  If nobody answers, use the chat bar on the bottom to post links and ask for help.