F.Y.B.A. (ENGLISH)
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Essay.
Introduction
An essay is a literary and intellectual composition that allows writers to communicate their ideas, arguments, and opinions on a variety of topics. The essay form goes above simply informational speech, engaging readers on a journey of investigation and discussion. The essay has evolved into a various medium for transmitting personal views, generating debate, and promoting a greater knowledge of the many factors that define our world, with its origins reaching back centuries of intellectual conversation.
An essay is an empty page on which authors can draw
from their unique viewpoints and experiences to construct a logical narrative
or argument. This mode of expression promotes critical thought, reflection, and
investigation of the familiar and unexpected. The essay allows writers to dive
into the complexities of their chosen themes while engaging readers in an
intellectual debate, whether they are investigating the fields of science,
literature, philosophy, culture, or any other subject.
Throughout history, the essay form developed in
response to changes in literary styles, cultural settings, and innovations in
technology. As a result, essays may change greatly in form, tone, and aim, and
can include types such as persuasive essays, narrative essays, expository
essays, and others. This flexibility is what gives the essay its ongoing
appeal, allowing writers to create pieces that appeal with a wide range of
readers and address a wide range of topics.
The term "essay" first appeared in English
in the late 16th century to refer to a brief written work about a certain
subject. The French writer Michel de Montaigne popularised the term with his
collection of personal essays titled "Essais," which helped establish
the phrase as a prominent literary form.
Essays have been sub-classified in two
types.
Informal Essays : An informal essay is one that is
written for fun and uses vivid language. It is more personal and does not
require much grammar or punctuation. In the write-up, the writer concentrates
on personal experiences.
Formal Essays : A formal essay is one that is
written in a formal manner. This means that a formal essay employs a high
vocabulary while practising to all punctuation and grammar rules. These
writings are detailed, fact-focused, and employ standard theme language.
Dr. Samuel Johnson has defined the essay "as a
loose sally of the mind, an irregular undigested piece; not a regular or
orderly composition."
The essay has its origins in Elizabethan prose,
specifically the works of Lodge, Lyly, Greene, Sir Philip Sidney, and others.
But the first true essayist in English was Francis Bacon, whose articles were
inspired by Montaigne's and first appeared in 1597.
"The wisest, brightest and meanest of
mankind" – Alexander Pope to Francis Bacon.
Bacon's pieces are intended to make moral
observations. They are clear and to the point. His pieces offer worldly advice
from a wise man based on his personal experiences and observations of
individuals and tradition. Bacon wished to write for ambitious young men
seeking total self-realization. His essays cover topics such as truth, studies,
travel, adversity, envy, and love.
Etymology.
The etymology of the word "essay"
emphasises the fluid and exploratory nature of this type of writing. It
expresses the idea that an essay is an intellectual endeavour to transmit
views, engage readers, and investigate every aspect of a given topic rather
than a final declaration.
The term "essay" originates from the French word "essayer," which means "to try" or "to attempt." The verb "essayer" itself comes from the Old French word "assayer," derived from the Latin word "exagium," meaning "weighing" or "trial.
Growth and development of the essay.
Ancient and Classical Periods
The essay can be traced back to the writings of ancient philosophers and thinkers from civilizations such as Greece and Rome.
Philosophers like as Seneca, Cicero, and Plutarch
authored writings that can be regarded as pioneers of the essay genre. They
wrote letters, dialogues, and treatises on a variety of issues ranging from
ethics and morals to political philosophy.
Medieval and Renaissance Era
The essay developed further during the Middle Ages
and Renaissance.
Scholars such as Al-Farabi and Ibn Sina (Avicenna)
published works that merged philosophy, science, and ethics throughout the
Islamic Golden Age.
During the Renaissance in Europe, the essay form began to take shape. The essay was popularised in the 16th century by Michel de Montaigne, a French philosopher. Francis Bacon wrote many influential essays in a precise , lucid and concise manner that reflects his well verse on words and deep understanding of knowledge.
Enlightenment Era
The essay gained popularity during the
Enlightenment, a period marked by science, and intellectual exploration.
Essayists such as Joseph Addison and Richard Steele
contributed to the genre with their articles in magazines such as "The
Tatler" and "The Spectator," addressing social, moral, and
cultural themes.
The essay rose to prominence in the 18th century as
a mechanism for communicating societal commentary and personal insights.
The essay evolved become a medium for more
accessible discussion of major social and philosophical topics.
19th Century and Beyond
The essay's growth continued in the nineteenth
century. Individualism, nature, and spirituality were subjects explored by
Romantic essayists such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.
Personal essays, literary criticism, social
commentary, and other forms of essay emerged in the twentieth century.
Social issues and social critique were also handled
in the essay form, as witnessed in the works of Charles Lamb and Thomas Carlyle.
20th Century
The essay form continued to evolve during the
twentieth century, taking on many forms and goals.
The personal essay, defined by reflection and
personal experiences, rose to prominence with writers such as Virginia Woolf
and George Orwell.
With articles addressing civil rights, feminism, and
other societal issues, the essay also became a platform for social and
political commentary.
The rise of the Internet and digital media increased
the accessibility of essays by allowing for a larger readership.
Contemporary Era
Essays in the twenty-first century continue to
evolve in combined with the shifting landscape of communication.
Online platforms, blogs, and social media have
democratised essay writing, allowing people from all walks of life to express
themselves.
Essays keep diving into a wide range of subjects,
such as culture, technology, the environment, and personal experiences.
The mixing of genres has given rise to hybrid forms
such as the "lyric essay," which mixes poetic and prose components.
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