Introduction
The type of essay depends on several factors including subject, tone, issue, and content. This type defines the main features of each.
| Type | Definition | Key Features |
| Literary Analysis Essay | Focuses on analyzing a specific literary work (novel, short story, poem, etc.). Explores themes, symbols, characters, plot, and literary devices. | – Presents a thesis statement. – Uses text evidence. – Engages with scholarly theories. – Formal tone. |
| Historical Essay | Explores a specific historical event, period, or figure. Analyzes causes, effects, and broader historical implications. | – Presents a clear thesis. – Draws on primary & secondary sources. – Objective tone. – Provides bibliography. |
| Informal Essay | Written in a conversational and personal tone. Often shares personal experiences, anecdotes, and reflections. | – First-person perspective. – Relatable content. – Open opinions. – Flexible structure. |
| Satirical Essay | Uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize or mock a subject. Presents a clear target for satire. | – Develops a satirical thesis. – Employs sarcasm & wit. – Challenges norms. – Thought-provoking. |
Purposes of These Types
Literary Analysis Type:
- Analyze Literary Works: This type of essay focuses on dissecting and understanding the intricacies of specific literary works such as novels, short stories, and poems.
- Explore Elements: It examines themes, symbols, characters, plot, narrative techniques, and literary devices used in the text.
- Present Argument: This type provides a thesis statement that presents the main argument or interpretation of the text.
- Support with Evidence: It utilizes evidence from the text to substantiate the analysis and claims.
- Engage with Scholarship: It incorporates scholarly theories and critical perspectives to deepen the analysis.
- Structured Presentation: This type of essay develops an organized structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
- Maintain Formality: It adheres to a formal tone and avoids personal anecdotes or opinions.
- Reveal Nuances: This type of essay demonstrates a profound understanding of the text’s layers of meaning.
- Offer Insights: It encourages readers to gain new perspectives and insights into the significance of the text.
Historical Type:
- Explore History: This type of essay explores and examines specific historical events, periods, or figures.
- Thesis on Significance: It presents a clear thesis that addresses the significance or impact of the chosen historical topic.
- Source-Based Analysis: It draws on primary and secondary sources to provide evidence and context.
- Analyze Causes and Effects: This type of essay analyzes causes, effects, and broader historical implications of the chosen topic.
- Organized Structure: It offers either a chronological or thematic organization to present the information.
- Objective Tone: This type of essay maintains a formal and objective tone, avoiding anachronisms and inaccuracies.
- Consider Multiple Perspectives: It may discuss various perspectives or interpretations related to the historical topic.
- Draw Conclusions: This type of essay draws well-supported conclusions based on thorough research and analysis.
- Cite Sources: It provides a bibliography or list of sources used for reference.
Informal Type:
- Personal Expression: It is written in a conversational and personal tone to express the author’s thoughts and experiences.
- Share Personal Stories: This type of essay often includes personal experiences, anecdotes, and reflections.
- Emotion and Humor: It may incorporate humor, emotion, and subjective viewpoints to engage the reader.
- Flexible Structure: This type of essay lacks strict structural requirements, allowing for a more freestyle approach.
- Engage Through Storytelling: It engages the reader through storytelling and relatable content.
- Open Opinions: This type of essay expresses personal opinions and thoughts openly.
- Less Formal Research: It typically less focused on formal research or scholarly sources.
- Forge Connection: It encourages a sense of connection with the reader, building relatability.
Satirical Type:
- Critique Through Humor: It uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to provide criticism or mockery of a subject.
- Clear Satirical Target: This type of essay presents a specific target for satire, often related to societal issues or human behaviors.
- Satirical Thesis: It develops a thesis that conveys the satirical intent and message.
- Employ Satirical Devices: It employs sarcasm, wit, and parody to convey the satirical message effectively.
- Creative Scenarios: This type of essay uses fictional scenarios or hyperbolic situations to emphasize the satirical point.
- Non-literal Tone: It maintains a tone that is not meant to be taken literally, encouraging interpretation.
- Challenge Norms: It often challenges societal norms or conventions, prompting thought and reflection.
- Entertainment and Reflection: This type of essay aims to be both entertaining and thought-provoking for the readers.
- Various Forms: It could be found in literary works, editorials, humor publications, and other mediums.
Suggested Readings
- Hacker, Diana, and Nancy Sommers. A Writer’s Reference. 9th ed., Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2018.
- Lunsford, Andrea A. The St. Martin’s Handbook. 8th ed., Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2018.
- Strunk, William, Jr., and E.B. White. The Elements of Style. 4th ed., Longman, 2000.
- Graff, Gerald, and Cathy Birkenstein. They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing. 3rd ed., W.W. Norton & Co., 2014.
- Williams, Joseph M. Style: The Basics of Clarity and Grace. 5th ed., Pearson, 2014.
- Turabian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. 9th ed., University of Chicago Press, 2018.
- Swales, John M., and Christine B. Feak. Academic Writing for Graduate Students: Essential Tasks and Skills. 3rd ed., University of Michigan Press, 2012.
- Ramage, John D., et al. Writing Arguments: A Rhetoric with Readings. 10th ed., Pearson, 2016.
- Crews, Frederick. The Random House Handbook. 6th ed., McGraw-Hill Education, 2020.