AP English Language and Composition 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Tone in literature refers specifically to the speaker's attitude toward the subject matter, which can encompass a range of emotions and perspectives. This attitude is expressed through word choice, sentence structure, and overall stylistic decisions made by the author. Understanding tone is essential because it shapes how readers perceive the narrative and its themes, influencing their emotional responses and interpretations.

For instance, a tone that is sarcastic will prompt the reader to engage with the text in a different way than a tone that is earnest or reflective. An author can convey various tones—like humor, seriousness, anger, or warmth—through intentional language and stylistic choices, allowing for a deeper connection with the audience.

While the emotional atmosphere of the work does play a role in how the tone is felt, it is ultimately the speaker's attitude that defines tone more precisely. The author's personal beliefs might influence the tone, but they are not synonymous; tone arises from the text itself rather than being a direct reflection of the author's internal ideology. Background information sets the scene but does not relate directly to tone, which is more about the expression of emotion and attitude than context or exposition.