Ello Ello!
As you may or may not be aware I was reading The Great Gatsby for school and after dragging the reading process for ridiculously long comes the tedious task of writing an analytical essay for assessment.
I mean I love analysing. I’d pick analysing over creative writing any day.
In this novel’s case though, the question I decided to write my essay on was arguing the case of whether Gatsby deserves to be called a hero. I was like “great I can see both sides to the story so I can present my essay from both perspectives”
My teacher was like nuh-uh you pick ONE side and you base your essay on that.
That got me thinking how much better it would be if only I could write a review instead of an essay.
And this post was born! Let’s discuss the pros and the cons and the tacos of Reviews Vs Essays!
1. Self expression
Reviews: If I hated a book I can rant about it, if I loved a book I can rave about it, If i have mixed feelings I can take both sides. With reviews I can pour my heart and soul and atomic matter into my piece of writing
Essays: I have to make up my mind about the book like completely. And the lack of personal pronouns and fancy sixteen-alphabet words gives the piece a detached essence. I felt like a robot yesterday writing my Gatsby essay cuz detachment.
2. The Vibe
Reviews: Some people think the reviews I write on the blog sound all posh and English-y but trust me oftentimes I aim to be casual and laid back like I’m having a chat to you about the book which is how I like it.
Essays: Here’s the deal, instead of saying “Gatsby was a heck of a man” I have to say “Gatsby’s character development evoked feelings of intrigue in the reader” . Honestly, why does everything need to be glorified and polished ugh sometimes I’d just like to say it like it is.
4. The Connection
Reviews: One of my favourite things about reviews is that I can connect to my audience, going back to the first point I just feel like it gives me the most freedom of expression
Essays: Every single molecule has to be broken down, you have to analyse the life out of the book until there is nothing but cardboard and ink . No feeling, no connection just a physical mass of paper. I’m never reading Gatsby again, sorry but just no.
Yes I know this post was really biased towards reviews (I wonder why). But some people like creating beautiful essays and go you if you’re that person. I guess they’re both different mediums and each is well in its own place.
hat do you think? Review or Essays?
Infinity Reads 
Definitely reviews for me too! Essays always feel way more stressful for me too…and like you said, lack of self-expression. 🙂
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I like reviews better so far, for some of the reasons you mentioned, but I think an element of the analysis can be useful, too.
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I can see both sides to the argument 🙂
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