Mark Twain's Essay: Who Is The Writer Defining?

1. What term is the writer defining? Does the essay include a formal definition? If so, where? If no formal definition is included, should one be added?

The writer defines the term ‘courage’. The essay includes how the term may be ambiguous to some, which leads to possible misinterpretation of the word. The write does mentioned how courage can be both mental and physical. However, it will be better if the write does add the formal definition of the word right before when he talks about the ambiguity of the word because in that way it allows the reader to compare and contrast the formal and the extended definitions.

2. Why is the writer defining the term? Does the essay include a thesis statement that makes the purpose clear? If not, suggest

After he introduces the word that he is defining, he talks about what the term doesn’t represent. For instance, he mentions how bullying isn’t a form of courage. By including the negation, the writer does strengthens his essay by being more specific on the definition and therefore, being more accurate.

7. Does the writer use enumeration to develop the definition? If so, where? If not, where in the essay might the writer list the term’s special characteristics?

The writer didn’t use enumeration to develop the definition. In his essay, he only states how courage can be both physically and mentally. When he is explaining and giving evidence for these two ideas, he didn’t use many examples. Thus, I feel like using enumeration, such as listing out what kind of actions are considered as being mentally courageous, will be helpful to strengthen his supporting points. However, overusing this technique can also lead to unwanted results, such as repetition, or even worse, confusing the readers.

8. Does the writer use analogies to develop the definition? If so, where? Do you find these analogies helpful? What additional analogies might help readers understand the term more