What does 'tone' refer to in a literary piece?

In a literary piece, 'tone' refers to the author's attitude toward the subject matter or the audience. It is conveyed through the choice of words, the details that the author emphasizes, and the overall style of writing. For example, a tone can be serious, humorous, nostalgic, bitter, or optimistic, and it significantly impacts how the reader perceives the work and engages with it emotionally.

Recognizing tone is crucial for understanding the deeper meaning of a text, as it shapes the reader's experience and interpretation. The distinctive voice of the author, the emotions evoked, and the mood created can all hinge on the tone. The other options, though related to literary analysis, refer to different aspects: the main theme pertains to the overarching message, the point of view addresses the narrative perspective, and genre denotes the category of literature. Therefore, the focus on tone specifically underscores the author's sentiment and approach in the writing.