Selections from the Essays of Montaigne Literary Elements

Philosophical essays

The essays take place in various settings, such as Italy and Egypt. The essay “Of Idleness” takes place in Montaigne’s house.

Montaigne narrates the essays in the first person.

The essays employ a philosophical tone and a mood of contemplation.

There are various protagonists and antagonists in the essays.

In "Of Sorrow," the conflict relates to the navigation of sorrow by humanity. In "Of Constancy," the conflicts relate to the perils of constancy.

Montaigne’s essays are largely descriptive: they do not follow conventional storylines; hence, archetypal climaxes are lacking in them.

Montaigne foreshadows his death in “Of Idleness” when he acknowledges that his remaining time of existence is not perpetual; hence, the resolution to retire.

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Montaigne employs historical allusions my describing experiences of renowned figures such as Cambyses and Lorenzo de' Medici. Additionally, Montaigne alludes to the history of Rome and to Socrates (who is representative of philosophical allusions).

Montaigne, in his essays, paints vivid imageries of the consequences of sorrow and constancy in his two essays, "Of Sorrow" and "Of "Constancy," respectively.
The imagery of unbeneficial weeds in “Of Idleness” underscores Montaigne’s main message concerning the dangers of inactivity.

Montaigne uses paradox in "Of Sorrow" when he explains how extreme joyfulness resulted in the deaths of some historical figures such as Pope Leo X to show that extreme joy and sorrow could result in similar consequences of death.

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In "Of Idleness," lumps denote observable overweightness among the females.

Montaigne personifies sorrow in "Of Sorrow" through art. The faces of individuals are drawn to represent the various forms of sorrow they are weathering.