What is the term for the narrator's attitude toward the subject in literary analysis?

The term that describes the narrator's attitude toward the subject in literary analysis is "tone." Tone encompasses how the narrator feels about the subject being discussed, which can influence the reader's perception and understanding. It can be conveyed through word choice, sentence structure, and various literary devices. For example, a sarcastic tone will create a very different effect than a somber or celebratory tone. Tone helps set the emotional context of the work and guides the reader's response to the content.

While theme refers to the underlying message or main idea of a piece of literature, style pertains to the author's unique way of writing—how they combine elements like syntax, diction, and literary devices. Mood, on the other hand, describes the atmosphere of a piece and how it affects the reader’s emotions, which is distinct from the narrator's specific attitude. Therefore, it is tone that accurately captures the narrator's perspective on the subject.