Descriptive Essay vs. Narrative Essay

Attribute	Descriptive Essay	Narrative Essay
Definition	A type of essay that describes a person, place, object, or event in detail.	A type of essay that tells a story or recounts an experience.
Purpose	To provide a vivid and detailed description of a subject.	To entertain, engage, or inform the reader through storytelling.
Structure	Usually organized in a chronological or spatial order.	Typically follows a narrative structure with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
Tone	Objective and factual.	Subjective and personal.
Language	Uses sensory details and descriptive language to create a vivid image.	May include dialogue, figurative language, and descriptive elements to enhance the storytelling.
Point of View	Often written in the third person.	Can be written in the first or third person.
Emphasis	Focuses on providing a detailed description of the subject.	Emphasizes the plot, characters, and events of the story.
Examples	A description of a beautiful sunset at the beach.	A personal narrative about a memorable vacation.

Introduction

When it comes to writing essays, there are various types that serve different purposes. Two common types are descriptive essays and narrative essays. While both aim to engage the reader and convey a message, they differ in their approach and style. In this article, we will explore the attributes of descriptive essays and narrative essays, highlighting their unique characteristics and discussing how they differ from each other.

Descriptive Essays

Descriptive essays are all about painting a vivid picture in the reader's mind. They focus on providing sensory details and creating a sensory experience for the reader. In a descriptive essay, the writer uses words to describe a person, place, object, or event in great detail. The goal is to enable the reader to visualize and feel as if they are experiencing the subject themselves.

Descriptive essays often employ the use of figurative language, such as similes, metaphors, and personification, to enhance the description and make it more engaging. By appealing to the reader's senses, descriptive essays create a strong emotional connection and leave a lasting impression. These essays are commonly used in creative writing, literature, and travelogues.

For example, in a descriptive essay about a beach, the writer may describe the warm sand beneath their feet, the salty smell of the ocean, the sound of crashing waves, and the sight of seagulls soaring in the sky. By using descriptive language, the writer transports the reader to the beach, allowing them to experience it through their words.

Narrative Essays

Narrative essays, on the other hand, focus on telling a story. They aim to engage the reader by presenting a sequence of events or experiences in a chronological order. Narrative essays often have a personal touch, as they are frequently based on the writer's own experiences or observations. These essays allow the writer to share their perspective, emotions, and insights with the reader.

In a narrative essay, the writer typically includes elements such as characters, plot, setting, conflict, and resolution. The story unfolds through a series of events, building up to a climax and eventually reaching a conclusion. Narrative essays can be fictional or non-fictional, but they always aim to captivate the reader and keep them engaged throughout the narrative.

For instance, a narrative essay may recount a memorable trip, a life-changing event, or a personal achievement. The writer may describe the challenges faced, the lessons learned, and the impact it had on their life. By sharing their story, the writer allows the reader to connect with their experiences and gain insights from their perspective.

Attributes of Descriptive Essays

Descriptive essays have several distinct attributes that set them apart:

1. Detailed Description: Descriptive essays provide a thorough and detailed description of the subject, appealing to the reader's senses and emotions.
2. Imagery: These essays use vivid imagery and figurative language to create a visual and sensory experience for the reader.
3. Objective Tone: Descriptive essays typically maintain an objective tone, focusing on presenting the subject rather than expressing personal opinions or emotions.
4. Focus on Specific Details: These essays emphasize specific details that contribute to the overall description, allowing the reader to form a clear mental image.
5. Engaging Language: Descriptive essays often use engaging and evocative language to captivate the reader's attention and create a lasting impact.

Attributes of Narrative Essays

Narrative essays possess their own unique attributes that distinguish them:

• Storytelling: Narrative essays focus on telling a story, presenting a sequence of events or experiences in a coherent and engaging manner.
• Personal Perspective: These essays often incorporate the writer's personal perspective, emotions, and insights, allowing the reader to connect with the writer on a deeper level.
• Character Development: Narrative essays may include the development of characters, providing depth and complexity to the story.
• Plot Structure: These essays follow a plot structure, including elements such as exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
• Subjective Tone: Narrative essays can have a subjective tone, as the writer shares their personal experiences and reflections.

Conclusion

Descriptive essays and narrative essays are two distinct types of essays that serve different purposes. While descriptive essays focus on providing a detailed description and sensory experience, narrative essays aim to tell a story and engage the reader through personal experiences and insights. Both types of essays have their own unique attributes, such as the use of descriptive language in descriptive essays and the incorporation of plot structure in narrative essays. By understanding the characteristics of each type, writers can effectively choose the appropriate style and approach to convey their message and engage their audience.