* Melancholy: The speech begins with a somber reflection on the fleeting nature of life and how each stage, from "infant, mewling and puking in the nurse's arms" to "second childishness, mere oblivion, sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything," is essentially a prelude to death.
* Humorous: Despite the melancholic theme, Shakespeare uses vivid imagery and humorous descriptions to portray the different stages of life. The "whining school-boy" and the "lover, sighing like furnace," evoke amusement.
* Philosophical: The speech offers a philosophical perspective on the human life cycle, highlighting the impermanence of youth, the transient nature of ambition, and the inevitability of decline.
* Observational: The tone is also observational, as Shakespeare keenly observes the characteristics of each stage, capturing the essence of human behavior and motivations.
Overall, the tone is a mix of nostalgia, wisdom, and acceptance. It acknowledges the bittersweet reality of life's stages while embracing the inevitability of time's passage.