What does the term "tone" signify in literature?

The term "tone" in literature refers to the author's attitude or approach toward the subject or the audience. Tone is conveyed through word choice, sentence structure, and the style of writing. It can reveal how the author feels about the topic or the characters and can impact how the reader interprets the text. For instance, a sarcastic tone may suggest criticism or mockery, while a serious tone may communicate gravity or concern. Understanding tone is essential for grasping the deeper meanings in a literary work and for recognizing the nuances in the author’s communication with the reader.

Other options, while related to literary analysis, represent different concepts. The sequence of events refers to the plot structure, the emotional atmosphere pertains to the mood created in the writing, and the perspective denotes the point of view from which a story is narrated. Each of these elements contributes to a story but does not capture the nuances of tone.