How would you define "Tone" in literature?

Tone in literature refers to the writer's attitude toward their subject or audience. It encompasses the emotions and sentiments the author conveys through word choice, style, and viewpoint. This attitude can influence how the reader perceives characters, events, and overall themes. For instance, a tone can be formal, sarcastic, joyful, melancholic, or critical, reflecting specific feelings and imparting specific meanings to the text.

Understanding tone is crucial because it shapes the reader's experience and interpretation of the narrative. It integrates with other literary elements, enhancing the emotional depth and providing insight into the author's perspective. The other options reflect different aspects of literary analysis but do not capture the essence of tone—such as the overall message of the story or the narrative voice, which are separate elements that do not specifically address the author's emotional attitude toward the work.