Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) Practice Test

In the context of story elements, "mood" refers to the overall feeling experienced by the reader, created through the use of language, setting, tone, and theme. It encompasses the emotional atmosphere of a piece of literature and can evoke various responses such as joy, sadness, suspense, or nostalgia. The mood is crafted by authors using descriptive and emotive language that connects with the reader's feelings and senses, allowing them to immerse themselves in the narrative. For instance, a dark and stormy setting paired with ominous descriptions can create a mood of tension or foreboding, while a bright and cheerful setting might instill joy or happiness. Understanding this distinction is key for analyzing literature as it highlights the impact of the author's choices on the reader's experience.