How can one summarize the tone of a literary piece?

Summarizing the tone of a literary piece involves assessing the author's emotional and attitudinal approach toward the subject matter. Tone is conveyed through word choice, style, and the author's attitude, which can be reflected in the language used and the feelings evoked in the reader. By analyzing how the author feels about the topic and how that feeling is communicated, readers can grasp the overall tone — whether it is joyful, somber, ironic, sarcastic, or any other emotional quality.

Recognizing the emotional nuances helps in understanding not just the text itself but also the underlying messages and themes that the author wishes to convey. This insight enables a deeper interpretation of the work, as tone significantly shapes the reader's experience.