Final answer:
Voice in literature is the distinct style and expressive quality unique to a piece of writing, created by elements such as vocabulary, tone, and sentence structure. It gives personality to the narrative and influences the mood and reader's interpretation of the text.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that best defines voice in literature is that it refers to the distinctive style or the expressive quality given to a piece of writing by the author. It encompasses elements such as vocabulary, tone, sentence structure, dialogue, and other literary devices that make a text unique and engaging. Voice gives a narrative its personality and can express various emotions and perspectives within the story, much like how a person's tone of voice or manner of speaking can convey different feelings or attitudes in conversation.
For example, Mark Twain's Life on the Mississippi showcases the writer's distinctive voice through its combination of humor, sarcasm, and vivid description. Twain's voice helps to establish the mood, whether it be lighthearted or critical, and gives personality to the narrative.
Voice in writing can also reflect the author's own identity and personal style, similar to how certain characteristic gestures or speech patterns distinguish a person. In literature, a consistent and relatable voice can transform a simple narrative into a meaningful story with emotional depth. The choice of words, how they are put together, and the attitudes they reflect can significantly influence the reader's experience and interpretation of the text.