A Primer for Formal Essay Writing on Literature
An essay is an argument: that's all. It presents a point of view, an opinion, a stance on a particular topic, etc. Essays are not necessarily written; there can be visual essays, kinesthetic essays, and the like. Moreover, essays can come in various forms and structures within these different media.
The particular essay that I will describe is what I would call the formal essay. It goes by other names too, like the critical, analytical, or academic essay.
Formal essays are written. They also generally follow a particular kind of logic called deductive reasoning. Through deduction, the argument advances premises that prove its conclusion. In addition, deduction makes an essay's trajectory quite linear. I move from point A to B to C, crafting each step and transition so that they're airtight and incontestable.
The structure of an essay mirrors the very structure of a paragraph. The paragraph, as a microcosm, contains a thesis or topic sentence, evidence and analysis, and a conclusion or transition. The formal essay has an introduction, "body" paragraphs, and a conclusion.
An introduction is generally one paragraph in length, though to be sure this depends on the size of the essay. I would expect to find the thesis statement in the introduction as either the first or last sentence of the paragraph. The thesis is a clear articulation of the central message of the essay; it is the principal reason for the essay's existence; it is the main point, which all others try to support. The introduction must also present all points the argument puts forward in the order of their appearance.
Thus, a general introduction will begin with a hook that interests or prompts the reader, proceed to explain the argument with clarity and precision, and then offer the thesis.
Body paragraphs, while containing topic sentences and theses of their own, are the substance of a formal essay. They are the evidence and analysis in support of the thesis. Within the body paragraph, I expect to find direct quotation from the text and in-depth analysis of its language. This is the crux of an excellent formal essay: critical engagement of the text. The words of any novel will move us in so many directions. Thus, the language of the text is the starting point for formal essay writing. By isolating and cataloging those parts of the novel that move us, we begin the process. Then, through contemplation and scrutiny and introspection, we understand why we reacted to those words in that way. Salience happens for specific reasons. Examination of the salient pieces of a text will reveal great, overlying import: whether it's a thematic revelation or a radical development in one of the novel's characters. The analysis of a quotation must show the quantity and quality of thought one has invested in its words.
A conclusion should answer the question: So what? Now that the writer has expended himself in careful craftsmanship and articulation of a central point, the conclusion must secure the argument's importance. The trick here is that a conclusion must not offer anything new or open up new avenues for discussion. The great magic of formal writing is that an essay must be self-contained. But do not simply rehash the argument; that would be perfunctory, merely adequate, and quite boring. Reveal and solidify the "big picture" with elegance.
The particular essay that I will describe is what I would call the formal essay. It goes by other names too, like the critical, analytical, or academic essay.
Formal essays are written. They also generally follow a particular kind of logic called deductive reasoning. Through deduction, the argument advances premises that prove its conclusion. In addition, deduction makes an essay's trajectory quite linear. I move from point A to B to C, crafting each step and transition so that they're airtight and incontestable.
The structure of an essay mirrors the very structure of a paragraph. The paragraph, as a microcosm, contains a thesis or topic sentence, evidence and analysis, and a conclusion or transition. The formal essay has an introduction, "body" paragraphs, and a conclusion.
An introduction is generally one paragraph in length, though to be sure this depends on the size of the essay. I would expect to find the thesis statement in the introduction as either the first or last sentence of the paragraph. The thesis is a clear articulation of the central message of the essay; it is the principal reason for the essay's existence; it is the main point, which all others try to support. The introduction must also present all points the argument puts forward in the order of their appearance.
Thus, a general introduction will begin with a hook that interests or prompts the reader, proceed to explain the argument with clarity and precision, and then offer the thesis.
Body paragraphs, while containing topic sentences and theses of their own, are the substance of a formal essay. They are the evidence and analysis in support of the thesis. Within the body paragraph, I expect to find direct quotation from the text and in-depth analysis of its language. This is the crux of an excellent formal essay: critical engagement of the text. The words of any novel will move us in so many directions. Thus, the language of the text is the starting point for formal essay writing. By isolating and cataloging those parts of the novel that move us, we begin the process. Then, through contemplation and scrutiny and introspection, we understand why we reacted to those words in that way. Salience happens for specific reasons. Examination of the salient pieces of a text will reveal great, overlying import: whether it's a thematic revelation or a radical development in one of the novel's characters. The analysis of a quotation must show the quantity and quality of thought one has invested in its words.
A conclusion should answer the question: So what? Now that the writer has expended himself in careful craftsmanship and articulation of a central point, the conclusion must secure the argument's importance. The trick here is that a conclusion must not offer anything new or open up new avenues for discussion. The great magic of formal writing is that an essay must be self-contained. But do not simply rehash the argument; that would be perfunctory, merely adequate, and quite boring. Reveal and solidify the "big picture" with elegance.
posted by AJV at 9:27 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home