What expresses the author’s attitude toward the subject of their writing?

The correct choice is tone, as it specifically refers to the author's attitude or emotional stance toward the subject matter within their writing. Tone can convey various feelings such as optimism, sarcasm, seriousness, or melancholy, and it plays a crucial role in shaping how the reader interprets the text. By selecting certain words, sentence structures, and stylistic choices, the author creates a nuanced voice that reflects their viewpoint.

Perspective, while related, focuses more on the author's viewpoint or angle on the topic rather than their emotional expression. Style refers to the distinct manner in which an author presents ideas, encompassing their choice of language and structure but not explicitly indicating their attitude. Theme relates to the central idea or message of the text rather than the author's personal attitude toward that subject. Understanding tone helps readers gain deeper insights into the author's intent and the emotional context of the writing.