What I Think I Am: Edward Hoagland BBS 2nd Year Visions: A Thematic

 

Essay: What I Think I Am by Edward Hoagland

About the Essayist 

Edward Hoagland (born December 21, 1932, New York, U.S.) is an American novelist, travel writer, and essayist, noted especially for his writings about nature and wildlife. He sold his first novel, ‘Cat Man’ (1956), shortly before graduating from Harvard University (A.B., 1954). After serving in the U.S. Army (1955–57), he wrote The Circle Home (1960), set in the seedy world of prizefighting, and The Peacock’s Tail (1965).

He is known for his works that explore themes of nature, wildlife, and the human experience. Hoagland's writing often reflects his own experiences and observations, drawing on his travels.

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The Main Gist of the Essay

"What I Think, I Am" by Edward Hoagland is an essay that explores the nature of identity and self-perception. Hoagland reflects on how we construct our sense of self based on our experiences, relationships, and the roles we play in society. He discusses the concept of the "looking-glass self," where our sense of self is shaped by how we believe others perceive us.

Hoagland also examines the role of memory in shaping our identity, highlighting how our recollections of past events can influence how we see ourselves in the present. He delves into the complexities of identity, acknowledging that our sense of self is fluid and subject to change over time.

Summary of the Essay

In the essay, the writer, Hoagland, gives an efficient (proficient) definition of the personal essay. He is trying to say that there is a fusion (mixture) of logic and reason in the essay. He also says that there is a fascination (attraction) with the mind in the essay. Many people think that essays are outdated at present, but Hoagland does not think so. He claims that essays can be sold more easily in the market than short stories. The art of storytelling predated the time of cave painting, but after movies, novels, biographies, and so on, stories were sent down the drain. 

According to the writer, once short stories are written in a specific context, they cannot be overdone. But essays can be overdone, revised, and added to each edition. The writer thinks that the essay is always hung between what you think and what you are. It means that it covers the writer's mind, thoughts, and feelings. He massively (greatly) supports personal essays, which for him is the expression of the human voice. According to the writer, personal essays are the mind's spontaneous (automatic) flow on paper. He advocates (supports) that such essays are not systematised outlines of the idea. In this regard, it is more informal than an article. Essays don’t condense (reduce, compress) with a summary as articles do. An essay is a mind speaking to a mind. Ideas of the essay are expressed by an educated and knowledgeable man. In this regard, it is less universal in its appeal than stories because the essay is addressed to an educated and middle-class reader. Personal essays also tell a story while keeping a particular viewpoint.

A personal essay is frequently not autobiographical, but sometimes conveys the quality of the author’s mind. The personal essay is different from other genres because the personal essay is directly concerned with the mind, and it is bestowed (presented) with the fascination (attraction) of the mind.

Possible Questions and Answers

a.      What does Hoagland mean when he says that essays 'hang somewhere on a line between two sturdy poles: this is what I think, and this is what I am'(3)?

When Hoagland says that essays "hang somewhere on a line between two sturdy poles: this is what I think, and this is what I am," he is referring to the dual nature of essays. On one hand, essays are a reflection of the author's thoughts, beliefs, and opinions ("this is what I think"). On the other hand, essays also reveal aspects of the author's personality, experiences, and identity ("this is what I am"). The essay form allows for a blend of personal reflection and intellectual exploration, creating a unique space where the author's voice and identity are intertwined with their ideas.

b.     An 'emphasis upon mind speaking to mind is what makes the essay less universal in its appeal than stories' (4). What does Hoagland mean by this statement? Do you agree with him? Why or why not?

Hoagland suggests that essays are less universal in their appeal than stories because they emphasise the "mind speaking to mind." This means that essays often prioritise intellectual engagement and the exchange of ideas, which can be more challenging for some readers compared to the narrative flow of stories. While stories can appeal to a broader audience through their use of plot and characters, essays require a more active engagement from readers who are willing to handle complex ideas and viewpoints. Whether one agrees with Hoagland depends on individual preferences for reading and intellectual engagement.

c.      What are the similarities and differences, as Hoagland maintains, between an essay on the one hand and a story, article, or autobiography on the other?

Hoagland highlights several similarities and differences between essays and other forms of writing. He notes that essays, like stories, can be personal and reflective, but they differ in their emphasis on ideas and intellectual engagement. Articles, on the other hand, are typically more focused on conveying information or presenting a specific argument, while autobiographies are more concerned with narrating the events of a person's life. The key distinction, according to Hoagland, is that essays prioritise the exploration of ideas and the exchange of thoughts between the author and the reader.

d.     An essay is intended to convey the same point to each of us. Discuss this statement.

Hoagland's statement that an essay is intended to convey the same point to each of us reflects the idea that essays aim to communicate universal truths or insights that resonate with all readers. However, the effectiveness of an essay in conveying its point can vary depending on the reader's background, experiences, and perspective. While essays strive for universality in their themes and ideas, each reader interprets and responds to an essay based on their unique context. Thus, while an essay may convey a universal message, its impact and interpretation can be highly subjective.

 

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