What does "mood" refer to in literature?

In literature, "mood" specifically refers to the emotional atmosphere that the author creates through their writing. This mood can evoke specific feelings in the reader, such as happiness, sadness, suspense, or nostalgia, and is established through various elements like tone, word choice, imagery, and descriptive details. By manipulating these elements, authors can craft an experience that aligns with the emotions they wish to evoke, making the reader feel immersed in the piece. This contrasts with other concepts such as the author's perspective, the setting of the story, or the rhythm of the text, which do not directly pertain to the emotional experience intended for the reader. Understanding mood is essential for analyzing how literature can influence and affect emotions, ultimately enhancing the reader's engagement with the text.