Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A literary analysis essay is a type of academic writing that examines a specific work of literature in detail. It involves analyzing the themes, characters, and literary devices used by the author to convey meaning.
Related terms
Thesis Statement: A thesis statement is a concise statement that presents your main argument or interpretation about the text. It guides your entire essay and provides focus for your analysis.
Close reading refers to the careful and detailed examination of specific passages or lines from the text. It involves analyzing language choices, imagery, symbolism, and other literary devices.
Contextual Analysis: Contextual analysis involves considering the historical, cultural, and social context in which the text was written. It helps provide insights into how these factors may have influenced the author's choices and intentions.