Elements of the Essay (Essay and the Other Forms of Literature)

2.2. Essay and the Other Forms of Literature:

We know that essay use to words to express ideas that are directly addressed to the readers. The writer is directly present in the text and hi/she wants to persuade us on his/her ideas. We already know the there are four forms of literature. However, the for forms of literature have there different basic qualities. Essays are different form story, poem and drama. But it has also some similarities with them. So, we should compare essays and other forms of literature for their similarities and differences. We get the literary qualities in all the four types of essays such as persuasive essays, narrative essays, dramatic essays and poetic assays. Persuasive essays are the most original and typical forms of the essays. We find arguments, reasons and logic in persuasive essays. There is the central thesis (main idea) In every text which is justified by many supporting materials such as analogy, comparison, facts and details. Narrative essays are similar to the story in their structure or form.  The writers take the role of the narrator to express their idea. They make beautiful stories or narrate interesting events to support their ideas. We know that the narrative essays are only similar to stories but actually, they are not stories; they are essays. So, their main purpose is to persuade us on their ideas and concepts. Persuasive essay persuades us by argument but narrative essay persuades us by the appeal, events and consequences made in the form of the story.

Dramatic and poetic essays also try to persuade the readers by the appeal, events and consequence. Dramatic essay takes the form of dialogue and interaction. The whole essay is written in dialogue form. It also use other basic elements of drama such as setting, plot, characters, development of actions, etc. The writers give their ideas by the mouthpiece character other central character. The character who gives the writer's ideas is called the mouthpiece character or the spokesperson. Usually, what the main character realizes is the central idea. Sometimes the central idea is derived from the conclusion of events. Anyway, dramatic essays are similar to short dramas in the form. Poetic essays are similar to poems in their deep feelings and thoughts. The writers take the role of the meditative speakers because they seem to be talking to themselves but not to the readers. They do not care what the readers are thinking or what their reaction would be. But they just go on telling about their ideas in an appealing (arousing) way. Ultimately, they persuade the readers by their appeal. Therefore, we boldly say that all types of essays try to persuade the readers on their ideas and concepts. So, persuasion it at the heart of all essays. The distinctions among persuasive, narrative, dramatic and poetic essays help us to categorize them. If we can recognize these four forms of essays, we can write better commentaries. We will appreciate the text very well and very easily. So, it is important to know the similarities and differences between the essays and other forms of literature.