Read the following excerpt from a literary critique of a dystopian novel:
"In the author's bleak portrayal of a future society, there lies an unmistakable critique of contemporary consumerism. The characters, often trapped in their own self-imposed oblivion, reflect a tone of despair that parallels the emptiness of their surroundings. With each page, a stylistic shift from vivid imagery to stark minimalism underscores the narrative's brutal reality, compelling readers to confront the implications of their own choices within a consumer-driven culture."
Based on this excerpt, how does the tone and style contribute to the overall rhetorical effect of the critique?