How does tone affect a reader's understanding of the story?

• A. It establishes the genre of the work
• B. It builds suspense and tension
• C. It reveals the author's emotional stance towards topics
• D. It provides a summary of the plot

Answer: (C)

The correct choice highlights how tone plays a crucial role in conveying the author's emotional stance toward the themes, characters, and events in the story. Tone encompasses the author's attitude and feelings expressed through word choice, phrasing, and stylistic elements. When a reader perceives the tone, they gain insight into how the author feels about the subject matter, which significantly influences their interpretation and emotional response to the narrative. For example, a sarcastic tone might lead the reader to view a character or situation with skepticism, while a somber tone could evoke empathy or sadness.

In contrast to this understanding, while tone can indeed help establish the genre of a work, build suspense and tension, and provide context for plot developments, these aspects are secondary to the primary function of tone in conveying the author's emotional perspective. Therefore, identifying tone as a reflection of the author’s stance allows readers to engage with the text on a deeper level, enhancing their overall understanding and appreciation of the work.