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The Pen is Mightier Than The Sword Essay

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Last updated date: 25th Apr 2024
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Essay on The Pen is Mightier Than The Sword

An essay in English literature is defined as a short form of written composition based on a single idea and where the writer is often allowed to express his personal opinions and thoughts. The type of essay given on this page is an expansion of thought. Here an idiom/saying/idea is given in the question and you are expected to explain it in your own words.   


The famous saying “Pen is mightier than the sword” signifies that writing is a powerful tool than violence. English author Edward Bulwer Lytton indited it in 1839. A pen can accomplish a lot more than a sword. It indicates that the power of writing is eternal, while the power of the sword is short-lived. Below, you will find a long (400-500 words), and short (100-200 words) essay on the pen that is mightier than the sword.

Long Paragraph on the Pen is Mightier Than the Sword 

The “pen is mightier than the sword” signifies that words are notably effective. Author Bulwer Lytton stated that, though the pen is smaller in size, it can achieve more things than a sword. The capability of writing is more significant than the power of hatred and war. A sword or a pen does not work on its own; we are the ones who operate them. We are the ones who can make a difference in whether to fight or to write. For example, during India’s independence, some people took up swords to fight against the British, while some took up the pen to inscribe the history and tragedy. Both the pen and the sword had equal contributions towards it. However, the fight against the pen has often been very influential.


A pen shapes and presents something valuable to the readers. For decades, we have observed the development of the world and how the power of writing creates a charm. Writers have fought against Sati Pratha, education barriers for girls, child abuse and child marriages, girl child killing, slavery and many other social causes and were able to stir the whole world with the fight of their writing.


The paragraph on the pen is mightier than the sword illustrates the omnipresence of the written word. We see that a pen can be used to display public opinions and views. The primary goal of writing is to relate one’s mind with another and to convince the reader to take up the writer’s views. However, the reader is free to hold his views. He may either agree or differ with the author. Thus, the pen symbolises friendly means of generating ideas.


The proverb infers that the writers, authors or scholars invisibly exert a greater impact on people than conflicts. The art of writing is more significant compared to the sharpness of a sword. This is because the fame of the sword causes pain and does not last forever, while the impact of writing is pre-eminent, influencing nations for years ahead.


The great ideas and opinions that transpire through a writer's pen have transported men from Brutality to Compassion. People can think and embed their views on a piece of paper and propel profound this position in society. Writers have proven to be more powerful than the mighty warriors. Many great writers have destroyed dictatorships and monarchies of the world with the strokes of their pen. Writing has created conflicts and reconciliation. A war may affect thousands of people, but a book can change the entire nation. A war always ends in miseries and destruction, whereas writing is a boon to humankind.

Short Paragraph on the Pen is Mightier Than The Sword

Ideas have a more significant impact than violence. Force is not capable of changing the ideas and beliefs of the people. When new ideas influence people, changes occur in society. For example, the great victories of Napoleon, Alexander and other rulers ended up in the void. Nevertheless, the excellent teaching and writings of authors and philosophers have permanent impacts that live eternally in the minds of people. This is the reason why a scholar is believed to rule the world with his writings, while a king can only rule his kingdom.


The "pen is mightier than the sword" is a well-known proverb speaking about the power of writing. A pen can accomplish a lot more than a sword. This indicates that the power of writing is infinite, while the power of the sword is temporary.

Outline for The Pen is Mightier Than The Sword Essay by Vedantu

Writing an essay is an opportunity for the writer to express his ideas freely without any limitations. This is an opportunity to write without any boundaries on any given topic. As there is no ideal structure for an essay, but over the years a standard format has been developed by scholars. Thus, the ideal structure for The Pen is Mightier Than The Sword Essay would be as follows:

  • Introduction: This is the first paragraph for any given essay. This is where you need to introduce the topic and explain in very simple words what it means. You may also discuss the origin of the saying in this paragraph

  • Body: This is the part of the essay where you fit in the main content of your topic. You can discuss what the idea means, its significance, examples to illustrate the idea, etc. 

  • Conclusion: This forms the last and concluding paragraph of any given essay. Here you have to express your final thoughts on the given topic. You can add your perspective here with sound examples to support your final verdict. 


This can be considered as an ideal structure of the essay. This structure may vary a little to fit in some additional points you might think is necessary.

Conclusion 

Therefore through this proverb "The pen is mightier than the sword" we understand that violence cannot change views or beliefs, one has to communicate through their writing to understand the mind and heart of the people. While the energy of the sword ends with failure, sacrifice and loss, the pen brings in motive, impulse and growth to the soul.


FAQs on The Pen is Mightier Than The Sword Essay

1. What does the essay on the Pen is Mightier than the Sword signifies?

The essay on the pen is mightier than the sword demonstrates the importance of the written word. It explains how a pen is much more worthy than a sword.  Ideas are propagated by writing. What a sharp-edged sword cannot succeed can be accomplished by the help of a pen. What it indicates is that the capability of writing is much stronger than the power of conflicts. The proverb infers that the writers or scholars have more impact on people than fights or disputes. A pen can earn a lot more than a sword. It signifies that the power of writing is timeless, while the power of the sword is temporary.

2. Why is the Pen Mightier than the Sword?

The pen creates consciousness and stimulates the readers. The sword can succeed only through fear, but with the pen, one can win hearts. A pen shapes and presents important ideas and beliefs into the readers. The power of the sword ends with failure, sacrifice and loss, but the pen brings in motive, impulse and growth to the soul. It symbolises friendly means of forming opinions. It displays a world full of notions that can transform anything into everything. The sword causes pain and does not last forever, while the impact of the pen is mighty. The power of writing is constant, while the power of the sword is temporary.

3. How can The Pen is Mightier Than The Sword Essay help in Class 10 English exam?

Class 10 English exams have a specific question where students are expected to expand the given idea. It is a form of a question wherein students write an essay on a given idiom/saying/idea. Many students find this question very challenging as they fail to understand the meaning of the saying.  This is where practising The Pen is Mightier Than The Sword Essay can help you. Practising essays on such topics can help you form a command over this topic and help you score excellent marks in Class 10 English Board exams.

4. How did the saying The Pen is Mightier Than The Sword originate?

The saying The Pen is Mightier Than The Sword traces its origin back to 1839. It was used for the first time by the novelist and playwright Edward Bulwer-Lytton in his play Cardinal Richelieu. In this play, this saying was a part of a character’s dialogue. Where he admits that a pen is mightier than a sword and bows before the might of wisdom and knowledge. The saying became famous thereon and has been in use since then. This saying has also been translated into many other languages and used very frequently.

5. Is it necessary to memorize The Pen is Mightier Than The Sword Essay word by word for the Class 10 exam?

No, it is not necessary to memorize The Pen is Mightier Than The Sword Essay or any essay given on Vedantu's website. Rather you should focus on understanding the structure of the essay and the idea that it is trying to convey. Students can remember pointers and write essays in their own words in exams. Also, students should not shy away from adding any additional valid points which may not be mentioned in the essay given above. This will also bring much-needed originality to the essay.

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