Which term refers to a statement about the meaning or main point of a literary work?

The term that specifically refers to a statement about the meaning or main point of a literary work is a thesis. A thesis articulates the central argument or claim that the author is making within their analysis of a text. It encapsulates the interpretation or perspective of the work's significance, often guiding the direction of an essay or analysis.

The concept of an argument is often associated with presenting a position supported by evidence but does not inherently encapsulate the work's overarching meaning. Theme, while it refers to the underlying messages or main ideas within a piece of literature, is more abstract and not a direct statement. Plot details the sequence of events within a narrative, focusing on the structure of the story rather than its interpretive meaning. Thus, a thesis is the most accurate term for representing a clear statement about the meaning of a literary work.