How do tone and mood differ in a text?

The distinction between tone and mood in a text is crucial for understanding the author's intent and the reader's experience. Tone is defined as the author's attitude towards the subject or the audience, conveyed through word choice, style, and viewpoint. This can manifest as formal, informal, sarcastic, reflective, and so on, shaping the way readers perceive the text.

On the other hand, mood refers to the emotional atmosphere or feeling that the text evokes in the reader. It is established through various elements, such as setting, imagery, and diction. For example, a text with dark imagery may create a tense or foreboding mood, while bright and cheerful descriptions may evoke happiness or relaxation.

The correct answer captures this essential difference: tone is about the author's attitude, while mood is the emotional response that the reader experiences. This relationship between tone and mood helps deepen the reader's engagement with the text and enhances their understanding of its themes and messages.