Differences between narrative essay and descriptive essay
Narrative essays and descriptive essays are two different types of essays that serve distinct purposes and involve different writing styles. Here are the key differences between them:
**1. Purpose:**
– **Narrative Essay:** The primary purpose of a narrative essay is to tell a story or recount a personal experience. It often involves a chronological sequence of events and may include characters, a plot, and a central theme or message.
– **Descriptive Essay:** The main purpose of a descriptive essay is to vividly describe a person, place, object, or experience to the reader. It aims to create a detailed and sensory-rich image in the reader’s mind.
**2. Structure:**
– **Narrative Essay:** A narrative essay typically follows a storytelling structure, including an introduction, a plot with rising action, climax, falling action, and a conclusion. It often includes dialogue and character development.
– **Descriptive Essay:** A descriptive essay often follows a more straightforward structure. It starts with an introduction that introduces the subject, followed by body paragraphs that provide vivid descriptions and sensory details, and concludes by summarizing the impressions created.
**3. Point of View:**
– **Narrative Essay:** Narrative essays are usually written from the first-person point of view because they involve personal experiences and storytelling. The narrator is often a character within the story.
– **Descriptive Essay:** Descriptive essays can be written from various points of view, but they are often composed from a third-person perspective to create an objective and detailed portrayal of the subject.
**4. Language and Tone:**
– **Narrative Essay:** Narrative essays use a mix of descriptive language and storytelling techniques. The tone can vary, depending on the story’s mood and message.
– **Descriptive Essay:** Descriptive essays focus heavily on descriptive language and sensory imagery. The tone is often more objective and focused on creating a sensory experience for the reader.
**5. Examples:**
– **Narrative Essay Example:** A narrative essay might recount a personal journey, a significant life event, or a memorable travel experience.
– **Descriptive Essay Example:** A descriptive essay could describe a picturesque sunset, an ancient cathedral, a favorite childhood memory, or the characteristics of a beloved pet.
In summary, while both narrative and descriptive essays involve vivid language and detailed descriptions, their primary purposes and structures differ. Narrative essays tell stories, while descriptive essays create sensory-rich depictions of a subject. The choice between the two depends on the writer’s intent and the message they wish to convey.
