This week’s assignment is taken from page 22 (at bottom of page)
The titles of Michel de Montaigne’s essays are intriguing: “On Idleness,” “On Liars,” “On Friendship,” “On Smells,” “On Cruelty,” “On the Art of Conversation,” “On the Custom of Wearing Clothes.” His counterpart Francis Bacon also tackled some unusual subjects: “Of Prophecies,” “Of Deformity” “Of Superstition,” “Of Seeming Wise.” Let the titles of these early essays inspire you to write about an uncommon topic of your own.
Note: Your essay must have a title that starts with “On” or “Of” used in this same manner. These example titles might sound super serious and academic to you, but realize that you can make this assignment more accessible and fun by writing about something very down-to-earth. For example, recently I could write essays titled as follows. These are my examples. You will need to come up with your own.
“On Going to the Dentist for a Crown”
The first line of this essay would be something like this: Let me just start by saying that tooth way back there in the left corner of my mouth did not even hurt. It was just sitting there, a little battered maybe from my occasional tooth-grinding, but still basically just minding its own business and not bothering anyone.
“On Bleacher-Sitting”
“Of the 15 Freeway”
“On Teaching My Kids to Eat What I Serve Them”
Find your topic in your own life. What’s the thing that’s kind of got you this week? Stepping on Legos in the dark? Trying to kick your coffee habit? Tired of your room mate’s mess? Particularly in love with one of your children? Or not in love with one of your children? Tired of your puppy chewing up your favorite things?
Choose something specific, give it an “On” or “Of” title, and write your essay. Remember, 750 words or less. Make every word count. Craft each image with specificity and each sentence with purpose. Use the techniques of fiction and poetry in your essay.
