What is the author's attitude toward a subject called?

The author's attitude toward a subject is referred to as "tone." Tone encompasses the emotions and attitudes conveyed through word choice, style, and perspective. It can be formal, informal, serious, playful, critical, enthusiastic, or any number of other emotions. The tone can significantly affect how a reader interprets the message, as it shapes the reader’s perception of the subject and influences their engagement with the text.

For instance, in a critical essay, the tone might be disapproving and analytical, while in a personal narrative, it could be reflective and conversational. To identify the tone, readers often look for clues such as specific word choices, sentence structure, and the overall context of the writing. Understanding the tone can help in grasping the author's intended message and the emotional response they wish to evoke from the audience.