Unit 3, Lesson 15; Tracing the

Development of the Essay

3 :Week 21, January 24-28-022
rd

Grade-9
Skills in Focus:
 Trace the Development of the essay
 Identify the types of essay
 Differentiate between formal and informal essay
 Achieve paragraph coherence through parallelism
 Write paragraphs on one’s formula for success using infinitives and infinitive
phrase
 Development of the Essay
The most important development in literary prose was the appearance of a form
new to English writers-the essay. An essay is a piece of prose writing in which the
author tries explain something or express his own thoughts and feeling about the
subject. In fact the word “essay” comes from the French word, essai meaning “to
attempt, to try.”
It was Francis Bacon (1561-1626) who introduced the essay. Over in France
a brilliant writer, Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592) had been writing down brief
impressions of men and human affairs, and publishing them as Essais. Five years
later, Bacon, who knew and admired the work of the Frenchman, published ten
reflections and called them Essays. And so the English term was born.
 Types of Essays
Generally, there are two types of essays: the formal (or the impersonal and
unfamiliar) and the informal (personal or familiar). The formal essay deals with
serious topics, like death, science, progress, and civilization, while the informal
deals with light ones, such as walking in the rain, types of students, studying for an
exam, even sleeping.
The formality of the impersonal essay dictates the language-detached, scientific,
authoritative, standard, educated. The familiarity of the informal essay suggest a
language that is bubbling-sparkling, casual, conversational, at times slangy. The
formal essay appeals more to the intellect than to the emotion, whereas the informal
essay first touches our sense impressions or sensitivity more than the mind.
 The essay reveals the innermost thoughts, sentiments, and feelings of the writer
similar to what possibly a diary does. When we read the essay, we actually become
privy to the essayist’s thoughts and desires so that a feeling of intimacy develops
between us and the “noisy” thinker, for the essayist is essentially thinking aloud.
Essay give us a fresher insights into life and better understanding of ourselves and
of others.
 Enjoying Literature
 Before You Read
 Sharing Prior Knowledge
“Why do I have to go to school?’’ is a question that is often asked by young and
old students alike.
 How do studies develop human personality? What are specific purpose of each
subject.
 Listening Comprehension
Here is one of the best known essay written by Francis Bacon, “Of Studies.”
It appeared in his collection of prose reflections entitled Essays, which is known to
be one of the earliest and best known to be one of the earliest and best known
classics of English prose.
 About the Author
Francis Bacon, (1561-1626) who lived during the days of Shakespeare, gives us
an answer to such question. As you read this essay, tell his answer still a good one.
Identify his views about school and studies. What do his thoughts reflect about him?
Note his language, tone, and style.
 Literary Selection 1 “Of Studies” page 298-299
 Literary Appreciation
Bacon’s Style requires careful and concentrated reading. His thoughts are
weighty and so closely packed that a reader must digest each sentence in its turn.
One aspect of his style is the way he uses connectives to show relationship of
ideas. Examples of these are given below. Complete those gaps by referring to the
next. Pick out the sentences where these occur.
but – to show contrast “For expert man can execute and perhaps judge by
particulars, one by one; but the general counsels and marshalling of affairs comes
best from those who are learned.”
for/because – to show reason “They perfect nature and are perfected by
experiences, for natu.ral abilities are like natural plants that need pruning by study.”
and – to show connection/addition “ Some books are to be tasted, others to be
swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.”
so – to show effect/consequence “So if a man’s wit be wandering, let him study
mathematics.”
Another aspect of Bacon’s style is his use of imagery. Can you pick out some
examples of these from the essay?
A third aspect of this essayist’s style is his use of parallelism idea and sentence
structure.
(Bacon’s Use of Imagery)
“Distilled words are like common distilled water, flashy things.”
(Bacons Use of parallelism)
“Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing a ready man. Give
two other examples of Bacon’s use of parallelism.
*___
*___
Grammar Awareness
Achieving Paragraph Coherence through Parallelism
Read very well the following paragraph.
He never speaks of himself, except when compelled, never defends himself by a mere
retort. He has no ear for slander and gossip . . . He is never mean or little in his disputes,
never takes advantage, never mistakes personalities or sharp sayings for arguments.
(from: “A definition of a Gentlemen”) by John Henry Cardinal Newman (1801=1890)
* From the given paragraph, pick out the parallel structure and thought. What is then
achieved when parallelism is employed?
Exercise 1 and Exercise 2 om page 302
 Sharing Prior Knowledge
What would you consider as standard or measure of success?
 Essential Question
When can you say with confidence and conviction that you are successful?
 Listening Comprehension
Read the Literary Selection “Success” find out what Ralph Waldo Emerson, a
renowned American poet and lecturer, has to say about what makes a successful
life.
 About the Author
Ralph Waldo Emerson (May25, 1803-April 27, 1882) was san American
philosopher, essayist, and poet, best remembered for leading the Transcendentalist
movement of the mid-19th century. His teachings directly influenced the growing
New Thought movement of the mid-1800s. . . . . . Page 303
 Literary Selection “Success” page 303
