What does "mood" refer to in literature?

In literature, "mood" refers to a temporary state of mind or feeling that a piece of writing evokes in the reader. This atmosphere can be created through various literary techniques, including word choice, imagery, and dialogue. For instance, a narrative may foster a feeling of suspense and tension, contributing to a mood of anxiety, or it may invoke comfort and nostalgia through warm and familiar descriptions. The mood can significantly enhance the reader's experience by influencing how they perceive the characters' emotions and the events of the story.

While character traits encompass aspects of personality, they don’t define the atmosphere of the text. The author's writing style relates to the unique way a writer expresses ideas but isn’t synonymous with mood. Additionally, the physical setting can influence the mood but is only one of many aspects that contribute to its overall effect. Hence, understanding mood as a reader-focused feeling helps to appreciate the depth and emotional resonance of literary works.