Essays

Before responding to the essays we were assigned to read, I would just like to define what I think an essay is. From past English classes and writing experience, I believe that an essay is a succinct, yet detailed piece of writing which conveys some sort of experience, emotion, or point of view. I feel that an essayist writes an essay not to prove something or force an idea on someone, but to simply elaborate on some sort of issue or event that he/she feels strongly about. For that reason an essay can get quite emotional. Not exactly a Merriam-Webster type definition, but I think it'll do.

"The Stunt Pilot"- I think this is a strong essay for a few reasons. First, it is artfully detailed without being too long. From my experience, essays are never very long yet still use detail to keep the reader's interest. I found Dillard's description of the way Rahm flew a plane: "Rahm did everything his plane could do: tailspins, four-point rolls, flat spins, figure eights, snap rolls, and hammerheads. He did pirouettes on the plane's tail. The other pilots could do these stunts too, skillfully, one at a time. But Rahm used the plane inexhaustibly, like a brush marking thin air" (169). Dillard uses techniques like similes (like a brush marking thin air) to paint a vivid picture in the reader's mind of what the plane looks like soaring through the air.

I also think this is an effective essay because it is emotional. It is difficult to write a strong essay if you do not feel passionate or at least interested in the subject. Dillard seems truly emotionally invested in the subject of her essay. She was inspired and in a way almost mystified at the artistic beauty of Rahm's flying. She was also affected by Rahm's death and made her appreciate the quality of his flying even more.

"Ali in Havana"- I believe this to also be a strong essay. Obviously, the evidence of carefully chosen detail is quite obvious. He is able to create a character's personality and quirks in just a few sentences: "Ed Bradley is a gracious but reserved individualist who has appeared on television for a decade with his left earlobe pierced by a small circular ring -- which, after some unfavorable comment initially expressed by his colleagues Mike Wallace and Andy Rooney, prompted Bradley's explanation: 'It's my ear' (268). From this sentence alone we get a visual picture of Ed, as well as stubborn, "it's-my-life" kind of attitude.

Also, this event must have affected Talese in some way, be it the awkward humor or the tension of this odd situation. Talese is not trying to push a certain idea or way of thinking on his audience. Instead, he is simply sharing this experience with his reader. He does this effectively by using detail and conveying emotion.

Unfortunately I was not able to read "Silent Dancing." For some reason, as stated on the course blog, it would not show up on my computer. I tried it on my roommate's computer as well, but I didn't get anything there either.