The heart of essay is persuasion. This persuasion can be expressed in argumentative way. We know that essays are systematically organized, factually detailed, closely reasoned and plainly written.
In argumentative essay, the basic form is direct and simple. There is a point to be established together with some supports for the point. Therefore, we readers have to isolate the established point and restate it as clearly as possible. When the established points or major points are identified, we have to examine the supporting materials.
In literary essay, persuasion depends upon impression of common experience that we can see in the form of analogies. An analogy relates the topic; it is used for strong comparison. Use of analogy is distinct character of argumentative essay.
We have to identify the analogies and examine how they are supporting the point of essay for the critical purpose. We have to think critically whether the analogies are appropriate or not for the persuasion.
For the critical study of such essays, we have to examine the style, tone or voice, the role of persona, the point of view and argument presented for the persuasion.
D.H. Lawrence's essay 'Cocksure Women and Hensure Men' is an example of essay as argument. The essayist using the analogy of chicken opines that the cocksureness of female is quite essentially harmful to not only female but of whole humanity.
The characteristics of argumentative essay are as follows:
- Intention of persuasion
- Strong use of analogy
- Logical and reasoning power of essayist
- Systematic arrangement of ideas
- Clear-cut impression to the readers
- Demand of high criticism with support to the essayist.
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