What is the mood typically associated with suspenseful literary works?

The mood typically associated with suspenseful literary works is suspenseful. This mood is characterized by tension and anticipation, creating an atmosphere where readers are kept on edge and eager to discover the outcome of events. In suspenseful narratives, authors often employ elements such as cliffhangers, dramatic pacing, and uncertainty about characters' fates to evoke these feelings. The goal is to immerse readers in the story, making them feel invested in the plot as it unfolds.

In contrast, moods like joyful and serene create feelings of happiness or calm and do not align with the tension inherent in suspense. Melancholic evokes sadness or reflection, which, while it can coexist with suspenseful elements, does not encapsulate the overall mood that suspense aims to create. Therefore, the identification of suspenseful as the mood for these works accurately reflects the experience and emotional response they seek to elicit from readers.