How does tone differ from mood in literature?

The distinction between tone and mood in literature is best captured by defining tone as the author's attitude toward the subject matter or the audience, while mood refers to the emotional atmosphere that the reader experiences as they engage with the text.

The author's tone can be conveyed through word choice, sentence structure, and the overall style of the writing, which reflects how they feel about the topic or characters. For instance, a sarcastic tone creates a different feeling than a serious or optimistic tone.

In contrast, mood is about how the reader feels when reading the piece. It is influenced by the setting, the imagery used, and the overall emotional weight of the text. The reader might feel suspense, joy, sadness, or nostalgia, depending on how the story is presented and what emotions the author evokes.

Understanding this difference helps readers to appreciate the deeper layers of a literary work and how both elements contribute to the overall experience of a story.