Essay

Definition of Essay
Essay is derived from the French phrase essayer, which means “to attempt,” or “to try.” An essay is a quick form of literary composition based on a unmarried subject matter, and frequently offers the non-public opinion of the author. A famous English essayist, Aldous Huxley defines essays as, “a literary device for saying almost the whole lot about almost anything.” The Oxford Dictionary describes it as “a quick piece of writing on a particular problem.” In easy words, we are able to define it as a scholarly work in writing that presents the author’s private argument.

Types of Essay
There are two forms of essay: literary and non-literary. Literary essays are of 4 types:

Expository Essay – In an expository essay, the writer offers a proof of an idea, theme, or difficulty to the target market by giving his private opinions. This essay is presented via examples, definitions, comparisons, and contrast.
Descriptive Essay – As it sounds, this type of essay offers an outline about a specific topic, or describes the traits and characteristics of something or a person in detail. It allows artistic freedom, and creates pix inside the minds of readers through the usage of the 5 senses.
Narrative Essay – Narrative essay is non-fiction, however describes a tale with sensory descriptions. The creator now not only tells a tale, but additionally makes a factor by means of giving reasons.
Persuasive Essay – In this sort of essay, the writer tries to convince his readers to adopt his function or point of view on an problem, after he presents them strong reasoning on this connection. It requires a lot of research to claim and shield an idea. It is additionally referred to as an argumentative essay.
Non-literary essays may also be of the same types but they can be written in any format.

Examples of Essay in Literature
Example #1: The Sacred Grove of Oshogbo (By Jeffrey Tayler)
“As I passed thru the gates I heard a squeaky voice. A diminutive middle-aged man got here out from behind the trees — the caretaker. He labored a toothbrush-sized stick round in his mouth, digging into the crevices among algae’d stubs of teeth. He turned into barefoot; he wore a blue batik shirt called a buba, baggy pink trousers, and an embroidered skullcap. I asked him if he would show me across the shrine. Motioning me to follow, he spat out the outcomes of his stick work and set off down the trail.”

This is an instance of a descriptive essay, as the writer has used descriptive language to color a dramatic picture for his readers of an encounter with a stranger.

Example #2: Of Love (By Francis Francis Bacon)
“It is impossible to love, and be wise … Love is a child of folly. … Love is ever rewarded either with the reciprocal, or with an inward and secret contempt. You may study that among all the wonderful and worth persons…there isn't always one that hath been transported to the mad diploma of love: which suggests that extraordinary spirits and incredible enterprise do hold out this susceptible passion…That he had preferred Helena, quitted the presents of Juno and Pallas. For whosoever esteemeth an excessive amount of of amorous affection quitted both riches and wisdom.”

In this excerpt, 1st Baron Beaverbrook attempts to steer readers that human beings who need to achieve success in this global must by no means fall in love. By giving an example of famous humans like Paris, who chose Helen as his beloved but misplaced his wealth and wisdom, the writer attempts to convince the target audience that they can lose their mental stability by way of falling in love.

Example #3: The Autobiography of a Kettle (By John Russell)
“I am afraid I do no longer appeal to attention, and yet there isn't always a single domestic wherein I could completed without. I am best a small, black kettle however I have plenty to interest me, for something new occurs to me each day. The kitchen isn't always continually a cheerful region wherein to live, but nonetheless I find plenty of excitement there, and I am quite satisfied and contented with my lot …”

In this example, the author is telling an autobiography of a kettle, and describes the whole story in chronological order. The author has described the kettle as a human being, and permits readers to feel, as he has felt.

Function of Essay
The feature of an essay depends upon the situation matter, whether the author desires to inform, persuade, explain, or entertain. In fact, the essay increases the analytical and intellectual skills of the writer in addition to readers. It evaluates and exams the writing abilties of a author, and organizes his or her wondering to respond personally or critically to an issue. Through an essay, a writer affords his argument in a more sophisticated manner. In addition, it encourages students to develop standards and skills, together with analysis, contrast and contrast, clarity, exposition, conciseness, and persuasion.

Eristic Ethos