What does tone in literature primarily convey?

Tone in literature primarily conveys the emotional atmosphere of a work. It reflects the author's attitude toward the subject matter and influences how readers perceive the narrative and characters. The tone can range from serious to humorous, optimistic to pessimistic, and everything in between. It shapes readers' emotional responses and helps establish the mood of the piece, guiding them to engage with the text on a deeper level.

Understanding tone is crucial for interpreting the nuances of a story; it can influence the way events are understood and characters are judged. For instance, a somber tone might lead the reader to feel compassion for the characters' struggles, while a sarcastic tone could offer critical insight into the absurdities of a situation. This emotional conveyance is a fundamental aspect of literary analysis and significantly impacts the overall experience of the work.