Definition of Essay
Essay is derived from the French word essayer, which means “to attempt,” or “to try.” An essay
is a short form of literary composition based on a single subject matter, and often gives the
personal opinion of the author. A famous English essayist, Aldous Huxley defines essays as, “a
literary device for saying almost everything about almost anything.” The Oxford Dictionary
describes it as “a short piece of writing on a particular subject.” In simple words, we can define
it as a scholarly work in writing that provides the author’s personal argument.
Types of Essay
There are two forms of essay: literary and non-literary. Literary essays are of four types:
Expository Essay – In an expository essay, the writer gives an explanation of an
idea, theme, or issue to the audience by giving his personal opinions. This essay is
presented through examples, definitions, comparisons, and contrast.
Descriptive Essay – As it sounds, this type of essay gives a description about a particular
topic, or describes the traits and characteristics of something or a person in detail. It
allows artistic freedom, and creates images in the minds of readers through the use of the
five senses.
Narrative Essay – Narrative essay is non-fiction, but describes a story with sensory
descriptions. The writer not only tells a story, but also makes a point by giving reasons.
Persuasive Essay – In this type of essay, the writer tries to convince his readers to adopt
his position or point of view on an issue, after he provides them solid reasoning in this
connection. It requires a lot of research to claim and defend an idea. It is also called
an argumentative essay.
Non-literary essays could also be of the same types but they could be written in any format.
Examples of Essay in Literature
Example #1: The Sacred Grove of Oshogbo (By Jeffrey Tayler)
“As I passed through the gates I heard a squeaky voice. A diminutive middle-aged
man came out from behind the trees — the caretaker. He worked a toothbrush-sized
stick around in his mouth, digging into the crevices between algae’d stubs of teeth. He
was barefoot; he wore a blue batik shirt known as a buba, baggy purple trousers, and
an embroidered skullcap. I asked him if he would show me around the shrine.
Motioning me to follow, he spat out the results of his stick work and set off down the
trail.”
This is an example of a descriptive essay, as the author has used descriptive language to paint a
dramatic picture for his readers of an encounter with a stranger.
Example #2: Of Love (By 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
observe that amongst all the great and worthy persons…there is not one that hath been
transported to the mad degree of love: which shows that great spirits and great
business do keep out this weak passion…That he had preferred Helena, quitted the
gifts of Juno and Pallas. For whosoever esteemeth too much of amorous affection
quitted both riches and wisdom.”
In this excerpt, Bacon attempts to persuade readers that people who want to be successful in this
world must never fall in love. By giving an example of famous people like Paris, who chose
Helen as his beloved but lost his wealth and wisdom, the author attempts to convince the
audience that they can lose their mental balance by falling in love.
Example #3: The Autobiography of a Kettle (By John Russell)
“I am afraid I do not attract attention, and yet there is not a single home in which I
could done without. I am only a small, black kettle but I have much to interest me, for
something new happens to me every day. The kitchen is not always a cheerful place in
which to live, but still I find plenty of excitement there, and I am quite happy 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 allows readers
to feel, as he has felt.
Function of Essay
The function of an essay depends upon the subject matter, whether the writer wants to inform,
persuade, explain, or entertain. In fact, the essay increases the analytical and intellectual abilities
of the writer as well as readers. It evaluates and tests the writing skills of a writer, and organizes
his or her thinking to respond personally or critically to an issue. Through an essay, a writer
presents his argument in a more sophisticated manner. In addition, it encourages students to
develop concepts and skills, such as analysis, comparison and contrast, clarity, exposition,
conciseness, and persuasion.
