Here's why:
* Formal analysis focuses on the internal structure and elements of a literary work. It examines how individual parts, like characters, plot, setting, theme, style, and language, interact and contribute to the overall meaning and effect of the work.
Here are some other terms related to this kind of analysis:
* Close reading: This involves a detailed and attentive examination of a text, focusing on its specific language, imagery, and structure.
* Literary criticism: This encompasses a broad range of approaches to analyzing and interpreting literary works, including formal analysis.
* Textual analysis: This focuses on the text itself and its inherent elements, rather than external factors like authorial intent or historical context.
While other terms might be used depending on the specific focus of the essay, "formal analysis" is the most accurate and comprehensive term for an essay that examines the individual parts of a literary work to understand how they contribute to the whole.