Which of the following is the best definition of tone in literature?

• A. The dictionary definition of a word.
• B. The author's feelings or attitude towards his subject.
• C. Words used to convey the tone and mood.
• D. The atmosphere of a text.

Answer: (B)

Tone in literature is the author's feelings or attitude toward the subject expressed through how they write—through word choice, sentence structure, imagery, and figurative language. This attitude shapes how readers interpret the subject and can range from ironic or critical to affectionate or solemn. It differs from mood, which is the emotional atmosphere the reader experiences, created by tone plus setting and other elements. The best definition identifies tone as the author's stance toward the subject, not a word’s dictionary meaning, not the tools used to create tone and mood, and not the overall mood or atmosphere of the text.