What We Want from Essays: DEAD & ALIVE by Zadie Smith

Montaigne's *Essays* are a seminal work that introduced the essay as a literary form. The book is a personal and introspective exploration of various subjects, including the human condition, skepticism, and the importance of concrete experience over abstract learning. Montaigne's skepticism is reflected in the title *Essais*, meaning 'Attempts' or 'Tests', indicating a project of trial and error and tentative exploration. The essays cover topics such as the education of children, the role of the body, illness, aging, and death. Montaigne's writing style is characterized by multiple digressions, anecdotes from ancient and contemporary sources, and quotations that reinforce his critical analysis of reality.

Set during the English Reformation, 'Wolf Hall' brings to life the opulent and brutal world of the Tudors. The novel focuses on Thomas Cromwell, who rises from humble origins to become a powerful advisor to King Henry VIII. It explores themes of ambition, power, politics, religion, identity, and loyalty and betrayal, all set against the backdrop of Henry VIII's desire to marry Anne Boleyn and break from the Roman Catholic Church. Mantel's vivid imagery and sensory details create a rich sense of time and place, making historical characters relatable to contemporary readers.

In 'Cain: A Mystery', Lord Byron dramatizes the story of Cain and Abel, focusing on Cain's existential crisis and his interactions with Lucifer. The play delves into philosophical questions about the nature of good and evil, and the consequences of pride and envy. It is heavily influenced by John Milton's 'Paradise Lost' and reflects Byron's fascination with the darker aspects of human nature.

Joshua Ferris's "The Dinner Party" is a collection of short stories that showcases his signature blend of humor and pathos. The stories explore the complexities of human relationships, often focusing on the awkwardness and absurdity of social interactions. Ferris's sharp wit and keen observations of human nature are on full display, creating a collection that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The stories delve into the intricacies of family dynamics, romantic entanglements, and the search for meaning in everyday life. The collection offers a diverse range of characters and situations, each with its own unique charm and poignancy.

The play begins with King Oedipus of Thebes seeking to end a plague afflicting his city. He sends his brother-in-law, Creon, to consult the oracle of Apollo, who reveals that the plague will end when the murderer of the former king, Laius, is found and brought to justice. Unaware that he himself is the killer, Oedipus vows to find the murderer. Through a series of revelations, it is discovered that Oedipus is the son of Laius and Jocasta, whom he unknowingly killed and married, respectively. Upon learning the truth, Jocasta hangs herself, and Oedipus, in grief and despair, gouges out his own eyes and is eventually exiled from Thebes.

In 'Dead and Alive: Essays', Zadie Smith brings her distinctive voice and critical insight to a wide range of subjects that have captured her attention in recent years. The collection is organized into thematic sections—eyeballing, considering, reconsidering, mourning, and confessing—and features intimate reflections on artists like Toyin Ojih Odutola, Kara Walker, and Celia Paul, as well as cultural phenomena such as the film 'Tár' and the rise of Stormzy at Glastonbury. Smith also mourns the passing of literary giants like Joan Didion, Martin Amis, Hilary Mantel, Philip Roth, and Toni Morrison, and considers political shifts on both sides of the Atlantic. Throughout, she demonstrates her unparalleled ability to engage critically and humanely with the most pressing issues of our time, blending personal experience with broader social commentary.