Which term refers to the emotional atmosphere created by a literary work?

The term that refers to the emotional atmosphere created by a literary work is mood. Mood is the feeling or emotional state that a piece of writing evokes in the reader; it’s often established through the author's choice of language, imagery, and the overall tone of the narrative. For example, a story might create a mood that is suspenseful, joyful, melancholic, or eerie, depending on how the author constructs their scenes and develops their characters.

Ambiance, while similar in some contexts, typically refers more to the physical environment and setting of a scene, rather than the emotional impact that scene has on the reader. Setting refers to the time and place where the story occurs, which can certainly influence mood but does not embody the emotional quality itself. Theme, on the other hand, pertains to the underlying message or central idea of a literary work, not to the emotional atmosphere it creates.