Literary Essay Basics
What is an expository essay?
This author inspired the term “Orwellian” through his dystopian literature.
What is a prose text?
A literary essay is this type of text that reflects on literary topics.
Who is George Orwell?
This is the author whose name inspired the term “Orwellian.”
What is the introduction?
This section introduces the topic.
Who is Michel de Montaigne?
This French writer is known as the father of the literary essay.
What are introduction, development, and conclusion?
This is the typical structure of a literary essay.
What is an argumentative essay?
This type of essay takes a clear stance on an issue with evidence.
What is Newspeak?
This fictional language in 1984 was used to restrict freedom of thought.
What is the development/body?
This section develops the main ideas.
Who is Francis Bacon?
This English philosopher was key in the essay’s development.
What is descriptive writing?
This term describes a literary essay’s use of delicate language and sensory descriptions to create imagery.
What is a descriptive essay?
This essay uses vivid imagery and detailed language to create mental pictures.
What is the Thought Police?
This fictional government agency monitored and controlled thoughts.
What is the conclusion?
This section wraps up and restates the thesis.
Who is José Ortega y Gasset?
He wrote about the decline of Europe’s cultural elite.
What are essays about a novel or about literature in general?
These are the two main types of literary essays based on subject matter.
What is a critical essay?
This essay analyzes and evaluates a text or idea, identifying strengths and weaknesses.
What is political correctness or doublespeak?
This Orwellian concept involves using euphemisms to mask political or moral issues.
What is interpretation?
good essay includes arguments, analysis, and this.
What are philosophical and literary essays?
These essays helped drive debates during the Renaissance.
Who are Michel de Montaigne and Francis Bacon?
These two thinkers are considered pioneers in the development of the literary essay.
What is an analytical essay?
This essay dissects parts of a subject to understand how they work together.
What is biased reporting or surveillance-based censorship?
This is an example of modern-day Orwellian influence in media or society.
What is intro, body, and conclusion?
The structure typically follows this 3-part format.
What are monographs or academic essays?
These types of texts use essays as a platform for public reflection.