Genre Analysis: Themes and Underlying Motivations on Different Essays

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Genre Analysis
The four personal essays analyzed in this paper—Dudley Clendinen's "The Good Short Life," Albert Camus's "The Myth of Sisyphus," Annie Dillard's "Living Like Weasels," and James Baldwin's "Notes of a Native Son"—share specific characteristics while also differing in terms of style and focus. This paper will examine the unique stylistic elements of each essay, highlighting how the authors use language to convey their messages. This paper will also draw connections between the articles, discussing each piece's common themes and underlying motivations.
Genre and style
The four personal essays share specific characteristics, yet each has a unique style and focus. In "The Good Short Life," Dudley Clendinen writes about his decision to end his life on his terms after being diagnosed with ALS. Clendinen's writing is contemplative and reflective, with an overall tone of acceptance and peace. He shares his thoughts and feelings about his illness and impending death, and this openness makes his essay compelling. Albert Camus's "The Myth of Sisyphus" is a philosophical essay in which Camus discusses the absurdity of life and the futility of seeking meaning in a meaningless world. Camus's writing is dense and complex, and he often uses metaphor and allegory to illustrate his points. His tone is serious and thoughtful, and he strives to engage readers in a philosophical discussion about the nature of existence. Annie Dillard's "Living Like Weasels" is a reflective essay in which Dillard reflects on the experience of observing a weasel in the wild. Dillard's writing is lyrical and descriptive, and she uses this experience as a springboard to discuss the importance of living in the moment and embracing instinct. Her tone is contemplative and introspective, encouraging readers to reflect on their own lives and behaviors. Finally, James Baldwin's "Notes of a Native Son" is a reflective essay in which Baldwin discusses his experience growing up as a black man in America. Baldwin's writing is passionate and urgent, unflinchingly examining race, identity, and violence issues. His tone is angry and frustrated, and he uses his personal experiences to expose black Americans’ injustices.
Analyzing language use
One key characteristic of the personal essay genre is the first-person perspective. The author speaks directly to the reader in the four essays, using "I" or "we" throughout the piece. This gives the reader a sense of intimacy with the author as if they are being spoken to directly. The use of anecdotes is another common element of personal essays. In "The Good Short Life," Dudley Clendinen recounts his experience living with ALS and his decision to die on his terms. He uses anecdotes to illustrate his points, such as the time he had to call the fire department to help him out of bed or the story of his friend who died slowly and painfully from ALS. These anecdotes help the reader to empathize with Clendinen and to understand his perspective. In "The Myth of Sisyphus," Albert Camus also uses accounts, but in a different way. Camus discusses the philosophical concept of the absurd and uses the story of Sisyphus as an example. By recounting the myth of...