Evaluate Francis Bacon as an Essayist

Answer

Evaluate Francis Bacon as an essayist. Or, How would you explain the fact that Bacon’s essays never fail to attract readers?

The word essay is derived from the French word ‘essayer.’ It means “to attempt” or “to try. Francis Bacon (1561-1626) is the father of modern English essays. He has written fifty-eight essays. Bacon’s words are still famous even now. Readers learn practical lessons from his essays. His language is short and to the point. People trust Bacon’s wisdom and advice. As an essayist, Bacon always attracts new and old readers. Let us discuss in detail. 

Selection of the Title: Bacon chooses clear and simple essay titles. Each title uses just a few words. For example, we can mention “Of Truth,” “Of Revenge,” or “Of Great Place.” His titles never confuse the reader. We always know the essay’s topic quickly. It is easy to guess what Bacon will discuss. This makes readers’ interest grow fast. Good titles help people understand essays easily.

Thesis-Based Discussion: Bacon focuses on one idea in every essay. Each essay has a main subject only. He explains his points step by step. In “Of Marriage and Single Life,” he talks about the roles of wives and husbands. He writes about duties at different ages. He says,

“Wives are young men’s mistresses, companions for middle age, and old men’s nurses.”

This line shows his main idea fully. Each essay, like “Of Truth” or “Of Revenge,” is also focused. Bacon supports his thoughts with everyday examples. This is why readers always find his logic clear and strong.

Maintaining Length: Bacon keeps his essays short and strong. He never writes too many words. Bacon’s essays usually stay under 1000 words. This shortness does not mean weak ideas. In fact, Bacon shows full command in a few lines. Each essay has deep meaning and complete thoughts. He does not waste the reader’s time. Bacon’s control of length shows his skill. The ideas are full, complete, and easy to read. His style is simple but