Analyzing and Interpreting Literature CLEP Prep Practice Exam

How is the tone of a work determined?

1. By the symbols used in the text.

2. By the author’s style of writing.

3. By the characters’ dialogue.

4. By the protagonist’s perspective.

The correct answer is: By the author’s style of writing.

The tone of a work is determined by the author's style of writing. This can include the use of word choice, sentence structure, and other literary techniques to convey a certain attitude or feeling. Option A is incorrect because symbols may convey meaning, but they do not determine the overall tone of a work. Option C is incorrect because character dialogue may contribute to the tone, but it is not the sole determinant. Option D is incorrect because while the protagonist's perspective may influence the tone, it is not the determining factor. It is ultimately the author's writing style that sets the tone for a work.