Which element of literature refers to the author's attitude towards a subject?

The correct choice is tone, which refers to the author's attitude toward the subject matter or the audience. Tone is conveyed through word choice, sentence structure, and the overall approach the author takes in their writing. For example, an author may use a sarcastic tone to convey disdain, a formal tone for seriousness, or a playful tone for humor. Understanding tone is crucial for interpreting the message of a piece of literature since it heavily influences how the reader perceives the subject.

In contrast, mood refers to the emotional atmosphere that evokes a particular feeling in the reader, created by the author’s stylistic choices rather than their attitude. Theme is the underlying message or lesson of the work, while style refers to the specific techniques and characteristics of the author's writing. Each of these elements plays a distinct role in literature, but tone specifically highlights the author's perspective and feelings toward the topics discussed.