Final answer:
Without specific examples from the text, it is not possible to definitively determine whether the author's tone is one of desperation, formality, anger, or bitterness. The tone is identified through language and the author's engagement and intent toward the audience.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tone of a text can often be discerned through the specific language used, such as word choices and phrases, as well as the engagement with the audience and the intent of the author. In evaluating the options provided for the author's tone, we must consider whether the text describes something with urgency or desperation, presents its arguments in a structured and formal manner, defends its positions with an underlying sense of irritation, or uses bitter or mocking language to criticize something or someone.
Looking at the provided information, which mentions the writer’s intent to challenge conventional expectations and the different intentions based on whether the author is on the victorious or vanquished side, it suggests a tone that can be either confrontational or justifying, depending on the context. If the text delves into the emotions of authors as they respond to victory or loss, it could lead to tones of bitterness or defensiveness. However, without specific excerpts from the text to analyze, determining the exact tone between desperate and pleading, formal and firm, angry and defensive, or bitter and mocking is not possible.