Narrative essay definition
The narrative is the form of writing that is based on one central theme or a central idea around which the entire story revolves, according to studycrumb.com. The whole story, its events, and characters revolve around a singular theme within the report. Narrative essays are similar to standard five-paragraph paper in that it uses the same structure. The only difference is the fact that it is an account of characters, events, and dialogues.
What is the difference between a narrative essay and a short story
A narrative essay follows particular formatting, certain factors to look for, and a specific theme. The theme is established by the writer before creating the piece. A short story differs from an essay that is narrative in the sense that it is not centered around a predetermined theme, and it doesn’t follow a particular style. Additionally, a short story leaves readers at a crossroads with the desire to know more. Contrarily, a narrative essay concludes when readers are completely satisfied. They are not compelled to continue reading or learn more.
The purpose of a narrative essay
Narrative essays describe people and their interactions and then narrate their lives in order to instruct readers. It is much like a narrative but different in the sense that it is tied to the theme. A theme is introduced prior to the events of the essay. Readers are introduced to the theme, the central idea concept, as they read through the article. The main goal of the essay is to present information on life experiences and lessons from these experiences.
Examples of narrative writing essays from literature
Example #1 New Directions (by Maya Angelou)
Annie, who was six feet tall and big-boned, decided to not be a domestic help and instead give the “precious babes” to anyone else’s care. There was no chance of being employed in the town’s cotton gin and lumber mill; however perhaps there was a way to make both factories cooperate with her. According to her own words, “I looked up the road I was going and back the way I came, and since I wasn’t satisfied, I decided to step off the road and cut me a new path.” She said to herself that she wasn’t an expert cook, but she could “mix ingredients effectively enough to make hungry people feel uncomfortable and prevent a man who is starving.
This illustrates an essay on narrative from Maya Angelou. She wrote about the woman’s appearance and manner in which she behaves. She also wrote dialogs that demonstrate the narrative.
Example #2 Saturday Evening Post (by Russell Baker)
When I walked in the afternoon, she was at a conference with an executive from Curtis Publishing Company. Curtis Publishing Company. She introduced me to him. He lowered his waist and shook my hand. Was this the truth as my mother had said to him, he inquired, that I wanted the chance to be a success in business?
My mother said that I had been blessed with a rare drive to be a success.
“That’s right,” I whispered.
Have you got the determination and character, the never-say-die attitude that is required to be successful in business?
My Mother told me that I certainly did.
In this short excerpt from an essay about narrative composed by Russell Baker of the famed Saturday Evening Post, the writer has detailed what his mother’s struggles were in her voice. The character and dialog are described clearly.
Example #3 Only Daughter (by Sandra Cisneros)
In the past when I was just beginning my writing journey I had to compose my personal contributor’s note to an anthology that I was a part of. I wrote: “I am the only daughter of a family with six sons. This is what explains everything.’
I’ve been thinking about this ever since and it’s a huge help to myself, however for reader’s benefit, I should have said “I am the sole daughter of a Mexican family with seven sons.’ Perhaps: ‘I’m the sole daughter of a Mexican father and an American mother from Mexico.’ or: ‘I’m the only child of a family with a low-income family that had nine kids.’ All of these have all to do with what I am today.
In this article, the writer has provided an extensive description of a girl – her appearance and the way she behaves.
