The realm of European essay styles has long been a testament to the continent's rich cultural heritage, intellectual rigor, and diverse literary traditions. From the eloquent prose of Montaigne to the sharp analytical essays of Nietzsche, European writers have continuously shaped the landscape of academic discourse and literary expression. As we delve into the year 2024, it becomes imperative to scrutinize the current state of European essay styles, examining their evolution, relevance, and level of influence in contemporary academia and beyond.

Outline vs Drifting

Two distinct educational traditions underpin this disparity. We must consider the Franco-Germanic style of university lectures, a tradition steeped in history dating back centuries, perhaps as far as the Enlightenment era, which continues to shape European pedagogy today. In this tradition, thinkers' brilliance doesn't always translate into effective teaching—an assertion exemplified by philosopher Jacques Derrida.

Given a philosophical theme, such as "jealousy", he would embark on a ninety-minute discourse without any preparatory notes or outlines. His lectures unfolded as impromptu performances rather than structured rhetorical arguments, leaving students to sift through a stream of consciousness for kernels of wisdom. While his genius was undeniable, doubts lingered about his ability to effectively convey his ideas to students and readers alike.

In stark contrast, American academics and writers are trained to meticulously craft outlines for their lectures and writings, methodically charting what they intend to convey, how, and when. 

This approach ensures the delivery of cogent and coherent arguments. According to Essay Writer Pro, the trajectory of a well-crafted Anglophone essay resembles a clear path—a straight line or a constellation in the night sky, each point illuminating the overarching argument. Conversely, the European style appears more nebulous, akin to a random cluster of stars, where points are interconnected through a winding and meandering route, lacking a singular, decisive conclusion. In this meandering journey, the most potent argument might be buried amidst the labyrinthine discourse, risking its impact on the reader.

Clarity v Intellectuality

In the realm of Slovenian essayists, Miha Mazzini stands out as a rare gem whose style resonates with Anglophone sensibilities, despite some of his compatriots finding his approach too direct, even provocative. Ironically, it is precisely these traits that endear his writing to foreign audiences. When probed about this stylistic contrast, Mazzini offered intriguing insights

Firstly, he underscored Slovenia's historical inclination towards cultural assimilation, particularly under the influence of the Habsburg Empire. Over centuries, Slovene intellectuals aspired to emulate the writing styles prevalent among leading imperial authors, shaping their own discourse accordingly.

Secondly, Mazzini referenced Frank Robert's work, "The Economic Naturalist," which highlights a pervasive belief that employing exotic and esoteric vocabulary lends an air of intellectuality. However, this notion is not universally embraced. Many American readers, for instance, view such verbosity as a facade, equating it with a dearth of substantive content. To them, resorting to ostentatious language comes across as a desperate attempt to appear erudite rather than genuinely insightful.

In Anglophone academia, the emphasis is squarely on clarity and accessibility. Professors are trained to ensure that their lectures are comprehensible to every student on the initial pass. Any confusion is seen as a failure on the part of the educator, necessitating alternative explanations. In stark contrast, European pedagogy often fosters a culture where students are discouraged from questioning or seeking clarification, leading to a sense of inadequacy rather than recognizing potential shortcomings in instruction.

Regrettably, European essays often mirror this instructional approach. While Anglophone essays prioritize clarity, with the expectation that every reader should grasp the content effortlessly, European counterparts, especially in fields like philosophy, tend to gravitate towards complexity. Many such essays leave readers grappling with convoluted prose, fostering the impression that the author's aim is to obfuscate rather than elucidate. This penchant for complexity stems from a misguided belief that intricacy equates to intellectuality—an assertion dismissed by Anglophone readers and scholars alike. True brilliance, they argue, lies in simplifying complex ideas, not in cloaking them in obscurity.

Anecdotes v Theories

In dissecting the essence of "good" Anglophone writing, we must also uncover the blueprint for what defines the pinnacle of Anglophone essay craftsmanship. A perusal of esteemed publications such as The New Yorker and The New York Times unveils a discernible pattern. By contemporary standards of intellectual periodicals, the crème de la crème of essays are narratively driven, weaving captivating anecdotes of real people and events into the fabric of abstract theories or ideas.

Anecdotes possess a unique power—they linger in memory far more tenaciously than abstract concepts. Therefore, when elucidating intricate theories, anchoring them to engrossing anecdotes facilitates comprehension and retention. The most compelling feature articles commence with a striking image, introducing a protagonist whose relevance to the topic at hand is unmistakable. This real-life individual becomes the linchpin of the narrative, embarking on actions germane to the subject matter.

Indeed, brilliance does not always translate into adept writing. Think of luminaries like philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein or mathematician Hegel—towering intellects marred by incomprehensible prose. Hegel's works, for instance, are infamous for their labyrinthine complexity, rendering them inscrutable to all but the most determined readers. However, figures like Slavoj Žižek offer a glimmer of hope. While his written tomes may pose a challenge, his live lectures and engaging YouTube videos present a stark contrast. Žižek, with his idiosyncratic persona and penchant for anecdotes, effortlessly bridges the gap between European writing style and Anglophone preferences. He captivates audiences with his infectious enthusiasm, elucidating complex ideas through relatable pop culture references.

In essence, Žižek embodies the fusion of two styles: his written discourse mirrors the European tradition, while his spoken presentations cater to Anglophone tastes. In the realm of essay writing, success lies not in complexity but in clarity and accessibility. The ability to transform intricate concepts into digestible narratives is the hallmark of true mastery—where complexity meets comprehension, and erudition finds resonance.

Conclusion

Throughout our journey, we have witnessed the resilience of classical essay structures, the adaptability of modern forms, and the enduring relevance of timeless themes. From the persuasive rhetoric of Aristotle to the introspective musings of contemporary essayists, the legacy of European essay styles endures, enriched by the voices of countless thinkers, writers, and scholars.

BIO:

Eliza Medley is an experienced writer and psychologist. She is actively interested in management, new technologies, and writing motivational articles. She also loves catching up on modern trends. She inspires people to learn new things and reach new heights with her work. In case of any inquiry or suggestion kindly feel free to write her on [email protected].