What term describes the author's attitude toward the audience or subject of a literary work?

The term that best describes the author's attitude toward the audience or subject of a literary work is tone. Tone encompasses the emotional quality and the perspective the author conveys through their writing, influencing how readers perceive the message or theme of the work. It can be serious, ironic, playful, formal, or informal, depending on how the author intends to engage the audience and express their feelings about the subject matter.

Understanding tone is crucial for analyzing literature because it helps readers decipher the underlying emotions and intentions that shape the narrative or argument. For instance, an author might use a sarcastic tone to critique a social issue, or a nostalgic tone to reflect on past experiences. By recognizing tone, readers can gain deeper insights into the author's perspective and the nuances of the text.