EXPLORING AMERICA

THROUGH LITERATURE

By Mohammad Ibrahim Khokhar (MIKE)

April 17, 2024
Essay Writing in America
- Essay writing in America has a rich and diverse
history, reflecting the nation's cultural, social, and
intellectual evolution over the centuries.

- From the early colonial period to the present day,

American essayists have engaged with a wide range
of topics, styles, and forms, contributing to the
development of the essay as a literary genre.

2
Essay Writing in America
Early Development (17th to 19th Century)
• Colonial Period: The earliest American essays were
primarily religious, political, or philosophical in nature,
reflecting the concerns of the colonial settlers. Notable
essayists of this period include Cotton Mather, Benjamin
Franklin, and Thomas Paine.
• Transcendentalism: In the 19th century, the
Transcendentalist movement emerged as a major influence
on American essay writing. Essayists such as Ralph Waldo
Emerson and Henry David Thoreau explored themes of
individualism, self-reliance, and the relationship between
humanity and nature. 3
Essay Writing in America
Emergence of Literary Magazines and Periodicals

The proliferation of literary magazines and periodicals in the 19th

century provided a platform for American essayists to publish their
work and engage with readers.

Magazines such as The Atlantic Monthly, Harper's Magazine, and

The Dial played a crucial role in popularizing the essay as a literary
form.

4
Essay Writing in America
Social and Political Commentary
• American essayists have long used the essay as a
medium for social and political commentary,
addressing issues such as slavery, women's rights,
immigration, and labor reform. Essayists like Harriet
Beecher Stowe, Susan B. Anthony, and W.E.B. Du
Bois used their essays to advocate for social change
and justice.

5
Essay Writing in America
Literary Essays and Criticism
• American essayists have also made significant
contributions to literary criticism and literary theory.
Critics such as Edgar Allan Poe, T.S. Eliot, and Susan
Sontag have written essays that analyze and interpret
works of literature, exploring themes, symbols, and
narrative techniques.

6
Essay Writing in America
Personal Essays and Memoirs
• The personal essay has been a popular and enduring
form in American literature, allowing writers to
reflect on their own experiences, thoughts, and
emotions. Essayists such as E.B. White, Joan Didion,
and David Sedaris have written candid and
introspective essays that resonate with readers on a
personal level.

7
Essay Writing in America
Essayists of the 20th and 21st Centuries
The 20th and 21st centuries have seen the emergence of
a diverse array of American essayists, representing a
wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and styles.
Essayists such as James Baldwin, bell hooks, Ta-Nehisi
Coates, and Roxane Gay have tackled issues of race,
gender, identity, and social justice in their essays,
contributing to ongoing conversations about equality
and equity.

8
Essay Writing in America
Digital Age and Online Platforms
• The advent of the internet and digital media has
transformed the landscape of essay writing in
America. Online platforms such as blogs, literary
websites, and social media have provided new
opportunities for essayists to publish their work and
reach audiences around the world.

9
Essay Writing in America
Themes and Styles
• American essays encompass a wide range of themes,
including but not limited to politics, culture, history,
literature, science, and personal reflection.
• Essayists employ a variety of styles and forms, from
the formal and scholarly to the informal and
conversational. The essay as a genre is characterized
by its flexibility and adaptability, allowing writers to
experiment with structure, tone, and voice.
10
Essay Writing in America
Famous American Essayists
1. Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882): Emerson was a leading
figure of the Transcendentalist movement in the 19th century.
His essays, including "Self-Reliance" and "Nature," explore
themes of individualism, intuition, and the interconnectedness of
humanity and nature.
2. Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862): Thoreau was a close
friend and contemporary of Emerson, known for his book
"Walden" and the essay "Civil Disobedience." His writings
emphasize the importance of simplicity, self-sufficiency, and
living in harmony with the natural world.
11
Essay Writing in America
Famous American Essayists
1. Susan Sontag (1933–2004): Sontag was a prominent
intellectual and essayist known for her incisive cultural criticism
and philosophical insights. Her essays, including "Against
Interpretation" and "On Photography," explore topics such as
art, literature, politics, and the media.
2. James Baldwin (1924–1987): Baldwin was a prolific writer and
social critic whose essays explored issues of race, identity, and
inequality in America. His works, including "Notes of a Native
Son" and "The Fire Next Time," remain influential in
discussions of race and social justice.
12
Essay Writing in America
Famous American Essayists
1. Joan Didion (1934–2021): Didion was a celebrated essayist and
novelist known for her distinctive voice and observational style.
Her essays, such as "Slouching Towards Bethlehem" and "The
White Album," offer candid reflections on American culture,
politics, and society.
2. Ta-Nehisi Coates (b. 1975): Coates is a contemporary essayist
and author whose writings explore issues of race, history, and
identity in America. His essays, including "Between the World
and Me" and "The Case for Reparations," have sparked
important conversations about systemic racism and social
justice. 13
Essay Writing in America
Famous American Essayists
1. Bell Hooks (1952–2021): hooks was a feminist theorist and
cultural critic known for her insightful essays on feminism, race,
and identity. Her works, such as "Ain't I a Woman?" and
"Feminism Is for Everybody," have had a profound impact on
feminist theory and activism.
2. David Foster Wallace (1962–2008): Wallace was a celebrated
novelist and essayist known for his innovative writing style and
philosophical explorations. His essays, including "Consider the
Lobster" and "A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again,"
blend humor, intellect, and deep introspection.
14
The Way to Wealth by Benjamin Franklin
One of Benjamin Franklin's most famous essays is "The
Way to Wealth," which was originally published as a
preface to his annual almanac, "Poor Richard's
Almanack," in 1758.

15
The Way to Wealth by Benjamin Franklin
Summary:
"The Way to Wealth" is a collection of aphorisms and proverbs
imparting practical advice on how to achieve success, wealth, and
prosperity. Written in the persona of Richard Saunders, the fictional
author of "Poor Richard's Almanack," the essay presents timeless
wisdom on various aspects of life, work, and thrift.
The essay emphasizes the virtues of industry, frugality, and self-
discipline, encouraging readers to work hard, save money, and
invest wisely. Franklin's aphorisms offer practical advice on
everything from time management and business ethics to personal
conduct and social interactions.
16
The Way to Wealth by Benjamin Franklin
Themes:
1. Frugality and Industry: "The Way to Wealth" promotes the virtues of
frugality and industry as essential components of success. Franklin
advises readers to avoid wasteful spending, work diligently, and seize
opportunities for improvement.
2. Self-Improvement: The essay encourages self-improvement through
education, hard work, and self-discipline. Franklin emphasizes the
importance of lifelong learning and personal development in achieving
one's goals.
3. Practical Wisdom: Franklin's aphorisms distill practical wisdom on
various aspects of life, including business, relationships, and morality.
His pithy maxims offer guidance on how to navigate the complexities
of everyday life with prudence and foresight.
17
The Way to Wealth by Benjamin Franklin
Notable Quotes:
1. "Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy,
and wise."
2. "There are no gains, without pains."
3. "A penny saved is a penny earned."
4. "He that goes a borrowing goes a sorrowing."
5. "Plough deep while sluggards sleep, and you shall have corn to
sell and to keep."

18
Self-Reliance by Emerson
One of Ralph Waldo Emerson's most famous essays is "Self-
Reliance," which was first published in 1841 as part of his
collection "Essays: First Series."

19
Self-Reliance by Emerson
Summary:
"Self-Reliance" is a philosophical essay in which Emerson explores the concept of
individualism and the importance of trusting one's own intuition and instincts. The
essay is divided into several sections, each addressing different aspects of self-
reliance and nonconformity.
Emerson argues that society tends to discourage individuality and creativity in favor
of conformity and tradition. He urges readers to resist the pressures of society and to
cultivate their own unique voice and perspective. Emerson celebrates the inherent
goodness and potential of the individual, encouraging readers to trust themselves
and to follow their own path in life.
The essay emphasizes the importance of self-reliance in all aspects of life, including
intellectual pursuits, moral decision-making, and spiritual growth. Emerson
encourages readers to be true to themselves, to embrace their own ideas and values,
and to live authentically, without seeking approval or validation from others.
20
Self-Reliance by Emerson
Themes
1. Individualism: "Self-Reliance" celebrates the individual and
encourages readers to trust their own instincts and judgment. Emerson
emphasizes the importance of self-reliance in cultivating independence,
creativity, and personal fulfillment.
2. Nonconformity: Emerson criticizes the tendency of society to stifle
individuality and creativity through conformity and tradition. He urges
readers to resist the pressures to conform and to embrace their own
unique identity and perspective.
3. Intuition and Inner Wisdom: The essay emphasizes the importance of
trusting one's own intuition and inner wisdom. Emerson encourages
readers to listen to their inner voice and to follow their own path in life,
rather than relying on external authority or guidance.
21
Self-Reliance by Emerson
Notable Quotes
1. "Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string."
2. "To be great is to be misunderstood."
3. "Whoso would be a man, must be a nonconformist."
4. "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored
by little statesmen and philosophers and divines."
5. "Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind."

22
Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau
One of Henry David Thoreau's most famous essays is "Civil
Disobedience," also known as "Resistance to Civil Government."
Originally published in 1849 as a lecture and later included in his
collection of essays titled "Aesthetic Papers," "Civil Disobedience"
is a seminal work in the history of political philosophy and social
activism.

23
Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau
Summary:
"Civil Disobedience" is an essay in which Thoreau defends the individual's right to
resist unjust laws and government authority. Thoreau begins by recounting his own
experience of spending a night in jail for refusing to pay a poll tax as an act of
protest against the Mexican-American War and the institution of slavery.
Thoreau argues that individuals have a moral obligation to follow their conscience
and to disobey laws that they believe to be unjust or immoral. He asserts that blind
obedience to authority is not only cowardly but also complicit in perpetuating
injustice. Thoreau advocates for nonviolent resistance as a means of challenging
unjust laws and institutions, arguing that "under a government which imprisons any
unjustly, the true place for a just man is also a prison."
The essay also touches on broader themes of individualism, self-reliance, and the
relationship between the individual and society. Thoreau calls for a society in which
individuals are guided by their own principles and conscience rather than by the
dictates of government or popular opinion. 24
Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau
Themes
1. Civil Disobedience: The essay explores the concept of civil disobedience
as a moral and political principle. Thoreau argues that individuals have a
duty to disobey unjust laws and to resist government authority when it
violates their conscience or principles.
2. Individual Conscience: Thoreau emphasizes the importance of following
one's own conscience and moral convictions, even if it means standing
alone against the majority or the government. He advocates for the
autonomy and integrity of the individual conscience as the ultimate arbiter
of right and wrong.
3. Nonviolent Resistance: Thoreau advocates for nonviolent resistance as a
means of challenging unjust laws and institutions. He argues that
individuals can and should peacefully protest and resist government
oppression, using their moral and spiritual strength
25
to effect social change.
Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau
Notable Quotes
1. "That government is best which governs least."
2. "Disobedience is the true foundation of liberty. The obedient must be
slaves."
3. "If the injustice is part of the necessary friction of the machine of
government, let it go, let it go: perchance it will wear smooth—
certainly the machine will wear out."
4. "It is not desirable to cultivate a respect for the law, so much as for the
right."
5. "Under a government which imprisons any unjustly, the true place for a
just man is also a prison."

26
Roxane Gay Bad Feminist
One of Roxane Gay's notable essays is "Bad Feminist,"
which is also the title essay of her 2014 collection "Bad
Feminist: Essays."

27
Roxane Gay Bad Feminist
Summary
In "Bad Feminist," Roxane Gay explores the complexities and contradictions of
contemporary feminism, examining her own experiences and beliefs within the
broader context of feminist discourse. The essay reflects on the ways in which
society's expectations and stereotypes often shape women's identities and behavior,
and how these expectations can sometimes conflict with feminist ideals.
Gay discusses the challenges of being a feminist while also embracing aspects of
popular culture, literature, and politics that may be deemed unfeminist or
problematic. She acknowledges her own "bad feminist" tendencies, recognizing that
no one can fully embody the ideals of feminism at all times.
The essay also touches on themes of race, gender, sexuality, and class, as Gay
explores the intersections of identity and privilege within the feminist movement.
She calls for a more inclusive and intersectional feminism that recognizes and
addresses the diverse experiences and struggles of women from marginalized
communities. 28
Roxane Gay Bad Feminist
Themes
1. Intersectionality: "Bad Feminist" emphasizes the importance of
intersectionality in feminist discourse, highlighting how race, gender, sexuality,
and class intersect to shape women's experiences and identities. Gay calls for a
feminism that is inclusive of the diverse voices and perspectives of women from
all backgrounds.
2. Complexity and Contradiction: The essay explores the complexity and
contradictions inherent in feminist identity and activism. Gay challenges the
notion of a "perfect" feminist and embraces the idea that feminism is messy and
imperfect, yet still worth pursuing.
3. Pop Culture and Feminism: Gay examines the relationship between popular
culture and feminism, acknowledging how mainstream media often perpetuates
harmful stereotypes and narratives about women. She argues for a critical
engagement with popular culture that recognizes both its potential for
empowerment and its limitations. 29
Roxane Gay Bad Feminist
Notable Quotes
1. "I embrace the label of bad feminist because I am human. I am messy.
I'm not trying to be an example. I am not trying to be perfect. I am not
trying to say I have all the answers. I am not trying to say I'm right. I
am just trying—trying to support what I believe in, trying to do some
good in this world, trying to make some noise with my writing while
also being myself."
2. "I believe feminism is grounded in supporting the choices of women
even if we wouldn’t make certain choices for ourselves."
3. "I believe women not just in the United States but throughout the world
deserve equality and freedom but know I am in no position to tell
women of other cultures what that equality and freedom should look
like."
30
Questions
& Answers
Thank you.

By Muhammad Ibrahim Khokhar (MIKE)