Chapter 14 - Classification Summary:
Classification essays provide an organizational approach for decomposition of complex issues, concepts, and objects into smaller, less complex sets of things. A key element of this approach is to develop criteria that addresses the intent of the writer. The first example provided is "Three Family Cancers", in which the author attempts to find explanations and understanding of deaths within her family. The second example is "Four Ways to Talk About Literature." The author decomposes literature into text-centered, audience-centered, and author-centered approaches. A four approach applies ideas outside of the literature to literary works. The essay notes the diversity and commonality of the approaches. This allows the hybrid approaches commonly found in many literature criticisms.
The final example is my personal favorite since it is so humorous. The author wants to address the burning dog food issues such as: "Is a Gaines-burger really like a hamburger?" and "Does Gravy Train actually make gravy in the dog's bowl, or is that brown liquid just dissolved crumbs?". The author eats dog food for almost a week to answer these questions, classifying dog foods into dry, gravies, and cans (and many more.) For each dog food classification, she provides the pro and cons for each dining experience. The author also addresses some additional issues using a Q&A technique.
The chapter concludes with guidelines for writing a classification essay.
