GRE Subject Test: Literature in English

The GRE Subject Test in Literature in English assesses knowledge and understanding of literary texts, critical analysis, and interpretation skills.

Major Literary PeriodsGenres and FormsClose Reading and Critical Analysis
Critical Theories and SchoolsIntertextuality and AllusionAdvanced Literary Devices
Analyzing Unseen PassagesComparative AnalysisBuilding Interpretive Arguments
Time Management for the GRE Literature TestProcess of Elimination
Major Literary Perio...Genres and FormsClose Reading and Cr...Critical Theories an...Intertextuality and ...Advanced Literary De...Analyzing Unseen Pas...Comparative AnalysisBuilding Interpretiv...Time Management for ...Process of Eliminati...
Practical Applications

Analyzing Unseen Passages

Tackling Unknown Texts

The GRE Literature test often presents excerpts you’ve never seen before. The key is to apply your analytical skills, not your memory.

Steps for Success

  1. Identify Genre and Period: Clues in language and style.
  2. Look for Literary Devices: Mark metaphors, rhyme, and unusual syntax.
  3. Infer Meaning: Use context to hypothesize about themes and tone.
  4. Stay Calm: Trust your close reading skills!

Real-World Benefits

These skills help in any situation where you need to interpret unfamiliar material, from business reports to political speeches.

Examples

  • Reading a passage from an obscure poem and identifying it as Romantic based on its language and subject.

  • Inferring irony in an anonymous prose excerpt by analyzing tone.

Next
Comparative Analysis