Which element of writing describes an author's feelings towards their subject?

The element of writing that describes an author’s feelings towards their subject is tone. Tone refers to the attitude or emotional quality that the writer conveys through their choice of words, sentence structure, and overall approach to the topic at hand. It can reflect a wide range of feelings such as joy, sadness, sarcasm, seriousness, or irony, and helps to shape the reader's perception and understanding of the subject.

For instance, a positive tone can enhance a celebratory message, while a critical tone might sharpen the reader's awareness of issues being discussed. This nuanced expression is crucial as it not only denotes the author's sentiment but also guides how the reader emotionally interacts with the text.

Other concepts like style, theme, and perspective relate more to the structure and broader meanings in writing rather than the specific emotional stance the author has. Style pertains to the distinctive manner in which an author expresses their ideas, theme is the underlying message of the work, and perspective refers to the viewpoint from which the narrative is told. Each of these elements plays its own role, but tone specifically captures the emotional resonance of the author's feelings toward their subject matter.