What term refers to the emotions and attitudes expressed by the writer?

The term that refers to the emotions and attitudes expressed by the writer is "tone." Tone encompasses the writer's perspective towards the subject and audience, and it can be evident through word choice, sentence structure, and stylistic elements. A writer may adopt a formal tone to convey seriousness, an informal tone for a casual feel, or a sarcastic tone to express irony, among others. Understanding the tone can significantly enhance the reader's comprehension of the text's meaning and intention.

In contrast, style refers to the overall manner in which a writer expresses their thoughts, including their unique voice and preferred techniques, while mood pertains to the emotional response that the text evokes in the reader. Theme refers to the central ideas or messages within the work itself. While these terms are related to literature and writing, tone specifically highlights the author's emotional stance expressed through their choice of language.