The familiar essay is a type of essay that has fallen by the wayside in most primary and secondary school curricula because it is difficult to write. The familiar essay is a personal reflection on an elevated topic, such as “people worth knowing,” or “How religion informs morality.” It is similar to a personal essay because the observations are unique to the author and research is not required. However, the familiar essay diverges from the personal essay because of the philosophical nature of the topics.
Tone and Audience
The author of a familiar essay writes as if they have an audience consisting of one person. They may even interact with their audience by using “you” or phrases such as “dear reader.” This conversational tone helps to create a sense of intimacy and direct engagement with the reader. Because of the lofty nature of the topics for a familiar essay, the tone for this type of essay is typically elevated and geared toward an educated reader. This means that the language used should be sophisticated and the ideas presented should be well thought out and intellectually stimulating.
Planning the Essay
Even though the familiar essay is personal in nature, it is important to gather your thoughts before you begin writing. Many professors and instructors recommend freewriting about the topic or clustering as useful activities for planning a familiar essay. Freewriting involves writing continuously about a topic for a set period without worrying about grammar or structure, allowing ideas to flow freely. Clustering, or mind mapping, involves writing the main idea in the center of a page and drawing lines to related ideas, creating a visual representation of the essay’s structure.
From the freewriting or clustering activity, the author can then create an outline to use as a general guide for organizing the essay. This outline should include the main points to be covered in the essay and the order in which they will be presented. Having a clear plan will help to ensure that the essay remains focused and coherent.
Writing the Familiar Essay
As you write, use the outline you created during the planning phase. Working from an outline is important for any essay that is personal in nature because writers have the greatest tendency to ramble or get off topic when they are writing about their observations. The outline serves as a roadmap, keeping the writer on track and ensuring that all the important points are covered.
Many authors find that writing the familiar essay is easiest if it is written in one session. This helps the writer to stay on track and prevents them from losing their focus. Writing in one session allows the author to maintain a consistent tone and flow throughout the essay. If interruptions are unavoidable, it may be helpful to re-read what has been written before continuing, to regain the original train of thought and maintain coherence.
Crafting the Content
In writing a familiar essay, it is essential to balance personal reflection with philosophical insight. The author should delve deeply into their own thoughts and experiences, while also considering broader implications and connections to universal themes. This requires a delicate interplay between the personal and the abstract.
For example, in an essay about “How religion informs morality,” the writer might start with a personal anecdote about a moment when their moral beliefs were challenged. From there, they could explore how religious teachings have shaped their understanding of right and wrong, weaving in philosophical reflections on the nature of morality and ethics.
References
Most familiar essays do not cite other essays or use references. However, you might make an exception to this rule by discussing a famous author, philosopher, or politician’s point to illuminate your point or to serve as a counterpoint to your assertions. In that instance, you would need to cite the reference.
For instance, if you are writing about “people worth knowing,” you might refer to the writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson to support your views on individuality and greatness. Using such references can add depth and credibility to your essay, showing that your personal reflections are informed by broader intellectual traditions.
Revising the Essay
Like other types of essays, the familiar essay should be carefully revised before it is turned in. Revising is not just about correcting grammatical errors, but also about refining the content and structure of the essay. Pay close attention to the tone of the essay. The tone should remain consistent. For example, if you began the essay with a light-hearted tone, make sure to continue that tone to the end of the essay for consistency. The exception would be if you have good reason to dampen the tone of the essay.
During revision, consider the following questions:
- Clarity and Coherence: Are your ideas clearly expressed and logically organized? Does each paragraph flow smoothly into the next?
- Engagement: Does your writing engage the reader and invite them to reflect on the topic? Have you maintained a conversational tone that addresses the reader directly?
- Depth: Have you delved deeply enough into your topic, providing thoughtful reflections and insights? Have you balanced personal anecdotes with philosophical musings?
- Consistency: Is the tone consistent throughout the essay? If there is a shift in tone, is it justified by the content?
Revising may require multiple drafts. It can be helpful to take breaks between revisions to gain fresh perspective. Reading the essay aloud can also highlight awkward phrasing or unclear passages.
Finalizing the Essay
Once you are satisfied with the revisions, it’s time to finalize the essay. Ensure that all citations are correctly formatted, if you have included any references. Double-check for any remaining grammatical or typographical errors. Formatting should adhere to any specific guidelines provided by your instructor or publication.
Conclusion
The familiar essay is a unique form of writing that combines personal reflection with philosophical insight. Although it is challenging to write, it offers a rewarding opportunity to explore elevated topics in a personal and engaging way. By carefully planning, writing, and revising your essay, you can create a piece that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply personal. Whether you are reflecting on the nature of morality, the qualities of people worth knowing, or any other profound topic, the familiar essay allows you to share your unique perspective with an audience in a thoughtful and meaningful manner.