What determines the tone of a literary piece?

The tone of a literary piece is fundamentally shaped by the author's choice of words and writing style. This encompasses various elements such as diction (the specific words used), syntax (sentence structure), and figurative language (like metaphors and similes), which all contribute to the overall feeling that the text conveys. For instance, an author might use formal language to create a serious tone or casual language to establish a more relaxed atmosphere. The combination of these linguistic choices can evoke specific emotions in the reader and set the mood for the entire piece.

While literary devices can enhance the tone, they are not the primary determinant. The length of the text is more related to the complexity of the narrative rather than its tone, and the preferences of the main character may influence the story's direction but do not directly affect the author's voice. Thus, the selection of words and style employed by the author is directly responsible for establishing the tone throughout their work.