In literature, what does the term "tone" refer to?

The term "tone" in literature specifically refers to the emotional quality or attitude that the author expresses through their writing. It encompasses the feelings conveyed by the author, which can range from serious to playful, optimistic to pessimistic, and various shades in between. Tone helps to set the mood of the piece and can influence how readers interpret the text and their emotional responses to it.

When analyzing a literary work, identifying the tone is crucial because it shapes the reader's understanding of the characters, themes, and the overall message of the narrative. The tone is achieved through various elements, including word choice, sentence structure, and the level of formality. Recognizing such emotional undertones can deepen the reader's engagement with the work.

The other options address aspects of literature that do not encapsulate the meaning of "tone." The subject matter signifies what the text is about, the literal meaning involves the dictionary definitions of the words used, and structure and style refer to how the text is organized and presented. These elements contribute to a literary work but do not define the emotional resonance that tone specifically encompasses.