What type of literary analysis focuses on how elements of a piece fit together to create meaning?

The correct choice is formal analysis because it specifically involves examining how the various elements of a literary work—such as structure, style, tone, and literary devices—contribute to the overall meaning and experience of the text. This type of analysis dissects the form and features of a piece to understand how they work in harmony to produce specific effects and convey deeper meanings.

By focusing on the mechanics of the writing, formal analysis allows readers to appreciate the artistry of literature and how the arrangement of its components enhances the thematic elements and emotional resonance. This method does not simply interpret themes or content but instead scrutinizes how the work's form influences its meaning.

In contrast, content analysis focuses more on the subject matter and themes present in the text rather than the structure and elements that create its meaning. Structural analysis, while similar, often pertains to the organization and framework within literary works, which can encompass broader categories but does not precisely target the examination of meaning as formally does. Thematic analysis, on the other hand, is centered on identifying and interpreting the themes present in a text, rather than how the elements create meaning.

Thus, formal analysis is the most accurate term that describes a deep investigation into how literary components collaboratively build meaning within a work.