Everything You Need to Know About the Literary Essay

In this post, you will find everything you need to know about the literary essay. If you are at any academic stage, surely at some point you will have to compose one, which is why you came to the right place! We will help you understand what it is, its purpose, and provide some examples for your analysis. Let’s get started!

Definition of the Literary Essay

A literary essay is a short text written in prose that aims to reflect upon or analyze a chosen and addressed theme. It can cover various topics such as society, arts, philosophy, and politics. The approach to these subjects is subjective, as it reflects the author’s perspective. The essay presents arguments and opinions supported by information and logical reasoning. It is intended for a wide audience, using a style and vocabulary that are easily understandable.

Purpose of the Literary Essay

The purpose of the literary essay is for the author to argue based on the selected topic. As mentioned earlier, the essay is a concise, well-organized piece of writing that utilizes stylistic and literary devices. These devices lend persuasive and poetic force to the ideas being developed.

Literary Genre of the Essay

The essay is considered one of the literary genres, alongside drama, poetry, and narrative. Throughout history, great essayists have utilized this genre to stimulate the debate of ideas. Notable figures include José Ortega y Gasset (1883-1955), Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1626), and Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592).

Steps to Write a Literary Essay

While there are no specific and essential elements or steps for writing a literary essay, certain guidelines are often followed in the educational field to ensure a well-crafted piece. Here are some steps to consider:

• Theme Selection: Choose a topic that interests you, ensuring it is not too broad. The essay should provide a specific reflection or idea.
• Research: Conduct thorough research and gather reliable sources to broaden your understanding of the chosen topic and explore the works of other authors.
• Preparation: Create an outline to organize your ideas and establish the order in which arguments or ideas will be presented in the essay.
• Writing: Start writing based on your outline or draft, ensuring a clear and orderly presentation of ideas. Reread and make necessary corrections to reflect your desired opinions and ideas.

Parts of a Literary Essay

The structure of a literary essay is flexible, allowing the author to pursue reflection and argumentation. However, it often consists of three main sections:

Introduction: In the initial paragraphs, introduce the theme of your essay and provide a brief overview of what your writing will address.

Development: Present your opinions, theories, and arguments on the chosen topic. Include relevant information or data to enhance reader understanding. This section is the longest part of the essay.

Conclusion: Summarize the key ideas or reflections of the essay, highlighting your conclusions or opinions. This section is typically brief and placed at the end of the essay.

Classification of Literary Essays

Literary essays can be classified based on the three following structures that determine the order in which information is presented:

Analytical or Deductive Structure: Begin by exposing the topic, followed by the development of arguments related to the subject.

Synthesizing or Inductive Structure: Investigate data and arguments first, then recompose the theme as a final conclusion.

Framed Structure: Start with the exposition of the topic, engage in debates about different positions and arguments, and finally restate the thesis considering the findings.

Examples of Literary Essays

Here are some examples of literary essays:

• “Utopia” (1909) by Ramon Gomez de la Serna.
• “History of Eternity” (1936) by Jorge Luis Borges.
• “The Poetic Principle” (1850) by Edgar Allan Poe.
• “A Room of One’s Own” (1929) by Virginia Woolf.
• “The Right to Dream” (199) by Eduardo Galeano.
• “Judaism in Music” (1850) by Richard Wagner.
• “Truth and Life” (1908) by Miguel de Unamuno.
• “The Mediocre Man” (1913) by José Ingenieros.

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