Final answer:
The speaker in a poem is the narrative voice, distinguished from the poet, characterized by their unique tone, diction, and mood, which helps convey the poem's message and engage the reader.
Step-by-step explanation:
In literature, particularly in poetry, the speaker is the narrative voice of the poem, which may differ from the poet's own voice. The speaker's characteristics are revealed through elements like tone, diction, and mood, which contribute to the overall feeling or message conveyed by the poem. To understand the speaker and the poem itself, one should consider the situation, the target audience, and any shifts in perspective or tone.
For instance, in dramatic monologues by Robert Browning, such as "My Last Duchess," the speaker is a character with unique traits and is not a representation of Browning himself. The speaker could be anyone from a historical figure to a fictional character, or even a personification of an idea.
The tone might vary from joyful to morose, depending on the poem's content and purpose, which could be to amuse, criticize, or celebrate, among other intentions. It is essential for readers to engage with the voice of the poem and 'listen' as though the speaker is addressing them directly, employing negative capability by temporarily setting aside their own identity for a more immersive experience.