Final answer:
Word choice in literature refers to the specific words used by an author to convey meaning and evoke emotions. It directly influences the mood and tone of the work.
Step-by-step explanation:
Word choice in literature refers to the specific words that an author uses in their writing. It involves selecting the most appropriate and effective words to convey meaning, create imagery, and evoke emotions. The author's word choice can greatly influence the mood and tone of a literary work.
For example, if an author uses words like 'dark,' 'sinister,' and 'haunting,' it creates a mood of fear or foreboding, which contributes to a dark and suspenseful tone. On the other hand, if an author uses words like 'bright,' 'joyful,' and 'lively,' it creates a mood of happiness or excitement, which contributes to a more cheerful and upbeat tone. Therefore, the author's word choice directly affects how the reader perceives and interprets the mood and tone of the work.