Leisure Reading 101

Lesson 2: Ultimate Love Affair With Words

Loving the Traditional Classical Essay

Many of us have different ways of expressing ourselves, so we tend to let someone else write for us, either by postcards or greetings cards. Essayist are unique individuals who can develop the content to relay the message, yet still leave room for more debate on the topic. Essays are a powerful tool.

When I read an essay, I look for the primary point being raised and the supporting factual data to support it. This is the traditional classical essay that has touched many people for years and still continues to do so. I also enjoy the fun, "no boundaries" essayist.

Which writers exemplify this type of essayist? Well, they are the ones who set their sights on the horizon and actually reach the skies by combining some wit, a lot of charm, and charisma while still presenting their theme or cause. This type of essay introduces you to a whole new world and, in turn, allows you to love the experience for the few moments you are reading the essay.

Although this method of expression is sometimes difficult to achieve with our formulaic purpose, it is possible.

Assignment 1:

Let's begin with the essay below. Read the blurb and click on the corresponding link to read the full article. Post your comments in the discussion thread at the Harlem Renaissance Topic. Then return back to The Joy of Reading and ask yourself the following questions:

- What is this essay about?

- What points does the author wish to convey?

- Is there a clear indication of a conclusion to the situation or observation of a particular issue?

- Are you intrigued enough to read additional essays on this subject matter?

Harlem 1920’s: Part One, by Nichel Anderson

"The warmth of the table light was erotic. At the same time it penetrated my skin, mind, body and soul as the blues played in the background. The female poet, along with her male counterpart onstage, continues to rhyme and dance words back and forth. Just as the music slowed up to a poetic ending the two picked up the pace of poetry and abruptly came to an end following the temple beat. The crowd applauded for the performance was phenomenal and fulfilled us, the audience, for what we came to this establishment to receive: A good time and to hear aesthetically literature and sweet, sweet music.

Today there are many nightclubs, book reading groups, and bookstores with adjourning poetry-reading rooms that entice us to enjoy living through the art form of literature, poetry and music. I often of times wonder when I attend these gatherings if these experiences were the same or close to the aura of expression as during the Harlem Renaissance era, or The New Negro Movement, as it was originally called before changing the name to the Renaissance…"


Click the below link to read the complete essay and then post your response in the discussion area at that location.

http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/harl...

*** Let's now proceed to the next section: "Recommended Reading"

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