Take a story's temperature by studying its tone. Is it hopeful? Cynical? Snarky? Playful?
Sullen with Glimmers of Hope
Okay: Our main character's parents died in what seems like a murder-suicide, and now he attends a school he can't stand while living with his grandparents and generally feeling woe is me about the state of affairs in his life. And guess what? The tone follows suit—and to this end, it's pretty freaking sullen most of the time. Check out this gem for an example:
Choice will. It can kill you. It is supposed to be what makes living worthwhile. It is what makes not living an option. (1104)
Not exactly happy go lucky, right? But on the flipside, Will doesn't seem totally convinced in the darkness he identifies in life. One of the main ways this is manifested is through his questions, though of course, in the end, after his revitalizing swim, he also seriously changes his tune to a happier one. For more on the glimmers of hope we see, hop on over to the "Characters" section to read up on Will and his endless line of questions.