Final answer:
The personal essay falls between popular magazines and classic literature on the literary spectrum, its exact place depending on the essay's use of literary devices and the context in which it is read or discussed.
Step-by-step explanation:
If we consider Ned Stuckey-French's idea of the literary spectrum, the personal essay can be placed somewhere between the two ends reserved for fleeting popular magazines and lasting literature like Shakespeare's Works. The personal essay often explores complex themes through personal experience and can use various literary devices, making it seem more literary than popular magazines. However, it might be considered less literary than classic literature due to the informal, colloquial style and its focus on personal perspective rather than universal themes.
The placement of a personal essay on the literary spectrum is subjective and may reflect the reader's or the community's perspectives on literature. For instance, a personal narrative essay that conveys the author's stance with an emotional or intellectual depth and uses literary devices such as metaphors may be placed closer to literary works. In contrast, one with a looser, informal structure focused on everyday occurrences may fall closer to popular magazines on the spectrum.
Ultimately, the position of the personal essay on the literary spectrum depends on both its inherent qualities and the context in which it is read or analyzed. This includes the educational environment, cultural background, and personal biases of the readers or students discussing the essay.