What refers to the emotional atmosphere of a literary work?

The term that refers to the emotional atmosphere of a literary work is mood. Mood is the feeling that a piece of literature evokes in the reader. It encompasses the overall emotional setting and can be influenced by various elements such as the setting, imagery, and word choice. When a writer creates a specific mood, they aim to elicit a particular emotional response from the reader, making it an essential component for immersion in the story.

For example, a dark, suspenseful narrative might generate a mood of tension or fear, while a lighthearted comedy might create a joyous or playful mood. Recognizing the mood helps readers connect more deeply with the experiences and emotions of the characters or the situations presented in the text.