The Essay and Mass Media: A Deep Dive
The Essay: A Literary Genre
Definition and Origin
The essay is a literary genre born from humanistic disciplines. It evolved from doctrinal dialogues, offering a platform for discussing opinions and ideas. The term “essay” originates from Michel de Montaigne’s Essais, which explored various topics through personal experiences and perspectives.
Key Characteristics of the Essay
- Prose form
- Literary title-body relationship
- Diverse content (social, literary, historical, artistic, political, biographical, scientific, etc.)
Classifications
Essays can be categorized by content (historical, philosophical, sociological) and tone (informative, critical, ironic).
Specific Traits
- Presents subject matter
- Non-exhaustive
- Non-technical
- Imprecise quotations
- Subjective and confessional
- Dialogical
- Autobiographical
- Lacks rigid structure
- Digressive
- Suggestive
- Comprehensive coverage
- Stylized
- Asystematic development
- Clarity and precision
Historical Development
Originating in the 16th century, the essay flourished in Spain during the 20th century, particularly in non-specialized journals and newspapers, due to its brevity. The Generation of ’98, including figures like José Ortega y Gasset, shaped the essay, focusing on topics like the problem of Spain and the meaning of life. The Noucentisme movement, also featuring Ortega y Gasset, followed. Later, the Generation of ’27, with authors such as Pedro Salinas, Luis Cernuda, and Jorge Guillén, contributed to the genre’s evolution until the beginning of democracy in Spain.
Mass Media: Channels of Communication
Definition and Types
Mass media are artificial channels for one-way communication to large groups. They include traditional media and multimedia systems.
Key Features
- Rapid information transmission
- Unidirectional communication
- Heterogeneous and anonymous audience
- Purposes: inform, educate, entertain
- Diverse codes
- Varied expression (spoken, visual, written)
- Significant societal influence
Radio
Radio transmits sound and primarily informs and entertains. It connects listeners with reality and provides media coverage. Radio language is concise, often repeating content. It uses spoken language, sound effects, and music. Messages are clear, dynamic, and brief. Radio genres include entertainment and information varieties.
Television
Television transmits moving images remotely, offering information, education, and entertainment. It combines images and sound. Television language integrates iconic, verbal, and sound codes. It should be clear, accurate, comprehensive, educational, appropriate, and easy to understand. Television genres span entertainment, education, and information, including newscasts and parades.
Film
Film uses image sequences to create movement. It serves as social communication, artistic expression, spectacle, and industry, driven by commercial and economic factors. Film language is primarily iconic, incorporating sound. Images consist of background and lighting. Space is where events unfold, and time dictates the film’s rhythm. Genres include westerns, comedies, and police dramas.