Here's a breakdown:
* Focuses on a work of literature: This could be a novel, play, poem, short story, or even a film or piece of music.
* Breaks down the work: This involves identifying key elements like plot, characters, setting, theme, style, and literary devices.
* Examines the importance of a specific literary element: The essay will focus on one or two chosen elements and analyze how they contribute to the overall meaning and impact of the work.
For example, you could write a literary analysis essay on "The Great Gatsby" focusing on the importance of symbolism and how the green light represents Gatsby's unattainable dreams. Or, you could analyze the role of irony in Shakespeare's "Hamlet" to understand how it contributes to the play's tragic themes.
Essentially, a literary analysis essay aims to provide a deeper understanding of a literary work by exploring the intricate connection between its various elements and their impact on the reader.