How do tone and mood differ in a literary text?

The distinction between tone and mood in a literary text is essential for understanding the nuances of the writing. Tone indeed reflects the author's perspective, attitude, or approach toward the subject matter or audience. It can convey a wide range of emotions, from sarcasm to seriousness, and impacts how the reader interprets the narrative.

On the other hand, mood pertains to the feelings and emotional atmosphere that the reader experiences while engaging with the text. It is shaped by various elements, including descriptive language, setting, and event progression. While the author's tone can influence mood, they are fundamentally different aspects of the text.

The other choices present inaccurate relationships between tone and mood or oversimplify them. For instance, suggesting that tone establishes plot progression or determines character actions conflates these literary concepts with plot mechanics rather than addressing their emotional and perceptual roles. Similarly, the idea that tone reflects character emotions or that tone and mood are interchangeable does not accurately capture the unique functions each serves in conveying a story's emotional depth and the author's perspective.