Question

which defines the tone of a poem?
○ the rhythm of a poem determined by the stresses in syllables
○ the attitude of a speaker or author toward a poems topic
○ the events that occur in a poem
○ the overall message of a poem

Explanation:

• The rhythm from syllable stress refers to meter, not tone.
• The events in a poem are its plot/narrative content.
• The overall message is the poem's theme.
• Tone specifically describes the author's or speaker's attitude toward the poem's subject.

Answer:

the attitude of a speaker or author toward a poem's topic