Poe Tone Analysis

During the whole of a dull, dark, and soundless day in the autumn of the year, when the clouds hung oppressively low in the heavens, I had been passing alone, on horseback, through a singularly dreary tract of country, and at length found myself, as the shades of the evening drew on, within view of the melancholy House of Usher...I reined my horse to the precipitous brink of a black and lurid tarn that lay in unruffled luster by the dwelling...(with) vacant and eye-like windows.

Diction such as "singularly," "melancholy," and "precipitous," offers the connotation of sadness.  These examples help reinforce the tone because it implies the attitude of being alone and dark.

Details such as "dull, dark, and soundless," "the clouds hung oppressively low," and "dreary tract of country," offers the connotation of a dark and dreary tone.  These examples help reinforce the tone because it adds to the somber tone of the passage.

Imagery such as "singularly," "melancholy," and "precipitous," offers the connotation of sadness.  These examples help reinforce the tone because it adds to the dreary and sad tone.