Second Essay

The Classic Essay. Is anything truly classic these days? The adjective expresses something of such regard that is message or meaning still carries great weight to this day. Classical literature, for instance. Or, and some might disagree on cultural standpoints, classical music. We’ve explored the meaning by an essay in our earlier segments. As this part of our curriculum draws to a close, let’s try to look back on all we’ve talked about and see if we can make sense of those essays.
On some level, the word “classic” brings up images of old things. Like a fine wine, something does not become truly classical until it has aged a few years or centuries. Perhaps that is why writers of so-called classic essays consider using old things so often. “Of Drunkenness” uses passages in Latin. Latin and Greek were classic before the term was coined as frequently as it is today. One cannot have classic without culture. Using examples from ancient cultures is a staple of many things classical. The use of language helps explain concepts that may be difficult for more contemporary readers to understand.
“On Love” focuses on sympathy. Sympathy for what? The writers? For those having to read this essay? What does sympathy have to do with it? Love is not based on sympathy. Passion comes to mind when thinking about love. Trust. Commitment. Where does sympathy come into play? Is it about nature? How does nature come into play between love and sympathy? The focus on love and sympathy is confusing, especially when it refers to the human soul. Neither can be manifested into something we can touch, much like we can never agree on what makes an essay classic. A hundred different solutions for the same argument.
“On Keeping a Notebook” is the most common kind of essay. It is all writing about the day-to-day experience. One’s whole life can be an essay. When word is passed down, expressing feeling, emotion, analytical queries on just about anything, that is an essay. Topics can range from a variety of sorts. Practically anything can be talked about in an essay so long as it is expressed intelligently and supported by outside sources. As for keeping it interesting for the reader’s sake that is up to the writer and what he wants to get across.