Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam

What term refers to the writer's attitude toward their subject and audience?

1. Theme

2. Style

3. Tone

4. Symbolism

The correct answer is: Tone

The term that refers to the writer's attitude toward their subject and audience is "tone." Tone reflects the emotional quality or mood of the writing, which can convey a range of attitudes, such as seriousness, sarcasm, enthusiasm, or melancholy. It is established through word choice, sentence structure, and the overall writing style, influencing how readers perceive both the subject matter and the writer's perspective. While theme pertains to the underlying message or central idea of a work, style refers to the unique way in which a writer expresses ideas through their language and structure. Symbolism involves using symbols to represent ideas or qualities, rather than conveying an attitude or mood. Understanding tone is crucial for interpreting literary works, as it guides readers’ responses and their connection to the material.