In the vast universe of writing, understanding the nuances that differentiate literary essays can be a challenge. A literary essay is a composition that critically explores and analyzes literary works, using prose or verse to address themes such as knowledge, truth, and the understanding of the world and humanity. In this article, we will break down everything you need to know about the literary essay: from its definition and distinctive characteristics to how to write one effectively, examples of renowned works, and the evolution of the genre over time.