Final answer:
The attitude of a text toward the subject being discussed is called tone. Tone encompasses the writer's or speaker's attitude and can manifest through word choice, contributing to the overall style of the text.
Step-by-step explanation:
The attitude of a text toward the subject being discussed is called tone. Tone refers to the writer's or speaker's attitude as it is conveyed in the composition or speech. It can be expressed through the author's word choices, and it manifests in a variety of ways, such as being informal, formal, sarcastic, or playful.
The tone can significantly affect the style of a story, which includes the author's vocabulary, use of imagery, and the feeling the story conveys. The style has to do with the author's attitude toward the subject and can add layers of meaning to the text. For instance, an ironic tone may create a sense of skepticism or humor, while a dramatic tone can intensify the reader's engagement with the narrative.
Examples of Tone
In literature, a dark and scathing tone in Hamlet creates a sense of tragedy, whereas a dreamlike and happy tone in A Midsummer Night's Dream evokes whimsy and fantasy. Tone helps to set the scene and guides the reader's emotions as they navigate through the narrative.