How is "tone" defined in literature?

Tone in literature refers to the author's attitude toward the subject, which is expressed through their choice of words and stylistic elements. This encompasses the nuances of language that the author employs, including diction, sentence structure, and figurative language, all of which contribute to conveying feelings and attitudes. The tone can range from formal to informal, serious to humorous, optimistic to pessimistic, and it plays a crucial role in shaping the reader's understanding and interpretation of the text.

For example, a story written with a sarcastic tone can convey irony and critique, while a narrative with a sincere tone may evoke empathy and connection with the characters. Understanding tone allows readers to grasp deeper meanings and themes within the text, enhancing their overall experience and engagement with the material.

Other choices address different but related aspects of literature. While the emotional response of the reader is significant, it is more a reflection of the tone rather than a definition of it. The overall mood of the story relates to the atmosphere created by the tone and other elements but is not synonymous with tone itself. Character development, while essential to storytelling, pertains to how characters are fleshed out and portrayed, not directly to the author’s attitude conveyed through style and word choice.