The function of the expository essay is to explain or to acquaint the reader with a body of knowledge. The author demonstrates his knowledge by explaining a topic to the reader. Thus, the formal essay is the one in which the author is mainly concerned with giving information about his subject. In the essay "Emotional Meanings" by Robert H. Thouless, the author is attempting to convince the reader that words have more than one meaning. The essay includes three significant sections: purpose, method of organization and style, all of which make reading the essay some what of a learning experience. The following information will attempt to convince the reader of the above.

The purpose of the formal essay "Emotional Meanings" is to inform and instruct the reader on the subject of emotional meanings of words. It is also used to argue facts and opinions, as well as to convince the reader of these. Firstly, its purpose is to advise the reader that words can have subjective and objective attitudes, as well as having the power to disturb one's natural way of thinking. The following is a simple illustration of what is meant: "The words 'firm,' 'obstinate' and 'pigheaded' all have the same obje

ctive meaning- that is, following one's own course of action and refusing to be influenced by other peoples' opinions. They have however different emotional meanings: 'firm' has an emotional meaning of strong approval, 'obstinate' of mild disapproval, 'pigheaded' of strong disapproval." (56) Secondly, its purpose is to instruct the reader about facts brought fourth in the development of the essay: "When we catch ourselves thinking in emotional phraseology, let us form a habit of translating our thoughts into emotionally neutral words. So we can guard ourselves from ever being so enslaved by emotional words and phrases that they prevent us from thinking objectively when we need to do so- that is, whenever we have to come to a decision on any debatable manner."(61) This essay then, guides the reader in the direction of properly translating emotionally toned words into their true objective meanings, and understanding words for what they truly mean instead of for what they imply. It teaches how and when the use of objective and subjective words are appropriate. Examine the following passage to reinforce this claim. "Once we are on the lookout for this difference between "objective" and "emotional" meanings, we shall notice that words which carry more or less strong suggestions of emotional attitudes are very common and are ordinarily used in the discussion of such controversial questions as those of politics, morals and religion. This is one reason why such controversies cannot yet be settled." (56) It is therefore clear, that Thouless' purpose is

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Approximate Word count = 1053
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)