Franzen comes out strong in the introduction, when he explains, “What he says about the essayist difficult embrace of risk and honesty can be felt throughout this exceptionally diverse and often emotionally turbulent collection ”(xiv). The author is basically explaining that essays have lost their charisma. That essays are brought up on lies and conception. It is a sense that people are just getting by, when it comes to writing essays. Taking that big risk and writing something that could benefit to society. Honesty can be painful at first, but dealing with harsh criticism could help overcome a huge milestone. Furthermore, the reader can relate personal experiences to the author, showing that …show more content…
This society is so comfortable of telling anyone and everyone their personal business. As readers we need to learn to stray from the lies and conception. Franzen really has a point when he say, “Is the essay becoming an endangered species” (xvi). The author knows of what has become in the world today. From the real essays that come out of a journal to the ones on social media trending on nonsense and senselessness. Jonathan Franzen truly grasps the meaning of what a legitamically essay should look