What Is Attitude in Literature?

By Staff WriterLast Updated April 11, 2020

Attitude in the field of literature, also referred to as tone, is the way in which authors approach subjects and situations. As with other aspects of communication, the tone that authors use can cover a variety of emotions. Some authors change tone throughout the length of their works to emphasize various character roles while others maintain a dominant tone from cover to cover.

The range of tones used by authors can be likened to an emotional toolkit. Authors use various tones to complete the primary task of creating a cohesive, coherent piece of literature with dynamic characters. Tone may be solemn, happy, angry, witty or formal and helps shape the overall mood of a work.