Final answer:
The poem's tone is best described as reflective, taking into account the contemplative and inquisitive nature of the speaker, as well as the overall mood created by the setting and language of the poem.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tone of the poem can best be described as reflective. Reflective tone is often seen in poetry where the speaker is considering their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a meditative or inquisitive manner. This type of tone can include elements of questioning, as is suggested by the inquisitive nature revealed through stanza lines such as -or was it the coldness?- Moreover, the general ambiance set by the language used in the poem can guide us to understand its tone. Words that have positive or negative associations significantly influence the tone. For instance, a poem detailing a setting like a lonely, crumbling grange, with a repetition of bleak rhymes, contributes to an atmosphere of melancholy and dejection, therefore supporting a reflective and possibly somber tone. The poem's descriptions create an immersive scene that reflects the narrator's mood and outlook, all pointing towards a tone that leans towards introspection and reflection.