What term refers to the overall emotional feeling or atmosphere experienced by a reader of a poem?

The term that correctly refers to the overall emotional feeling or atmosphere experienced by a reader of a poem is mood. Mood encompasses the emotional response that the text evokes in the reader, often influenced by the language, imagery, and thematic elements presented in the poem.

While tone refers to the author's attitude toward the subject or audience conveyed through word choice and style, mood specifically relates to how readers feel and the emotional environment they perceive while engaging with the text. In poetry, mood can vary widely, eliciting feelings of joy, sadness, tension, or nostalgia, depending on how the poem is structured and the imagery it evokes. Atmosphere can also be a broader term often associated with setting and context; however, in this specific context, mood most accurately captures the reader's emotional experience.

This distinction is crucial for analyzing literary works, as identifying the mood can deepen one's understanding of the poem's impact and meaning.