What does the term "tone" refer to in literature?

The term "tone" in literature specifically refers to the author's attitude toward the subject matter. It encompasses the emotional quality that the author conveys through their choice of words, writing style, and the details included in the text. Tone can be serious, humorous, ironic, melancholic, or any other emotional nuance that reflects how the author feels about what they are writing. Understanding tone is crucial because it affects how readers perceive the story and its characters, allowing them to engage more deeply with the text. Recognizing the tone helps readers capture the underlying messages and themes, as it influences their emotional response and interpretation of the narrative.