Narrative Essay Examples for 2023 Writing Competitions
Read the numerous narrative essay examples for 2023 writing competitions and examinations here. Some of them might have been featured in the exams you once sat for, while others are entirely new. Whatever the case may be, the list has to be your priority.
In a narrative essay, you tell a story, always about a personal experience, but you also make a point. So, the purpose is not only to tell an entertaining story but also to expound on the importance of the experience.
Consider if you can pull out the moral or theme in the narrative essay examples below. When it’s your time to draft a similar type of essay, hopefully, you can stir the heart of the reader.
Top Examples of Narrative Essays
Narrative essays are a popular genre of writing that tells a story from the author’s perspective, often drawing on personal experiences and emotions.
Here are some top examples of narrative essays that showcase various styles, themes, and techniques:
1. “The Death of the Moth” by Virginia Woolf
In this essay, Woolf uses the simple incident of a moth’s struggle against death to explore profound themes of life, death, and the human condition.
2. “Shooting an Elephant” by George Orwell
Orwell recounts his experience as a British police officer in colonial Burma and the moral dilemma he faced when tasked with shooting an elephant. This essay delves into themes of imperialism, power, and moral choices.
3. “The Fourth State of Matter” by Jo Ann Beard
This narrative essay combines a personal memoir with a harrowing account of a workplace shooting. It explores themes of trauma, grief, and resilience.
4. “Notes of a Native Son” by James Baldwin
Baldwin reflects on his relationship with his father, his experiences with racial discrimination, and the broader issues of race in America. This essay is a powerful exploration of identity and society.
5. “A Modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift
Though satirical in nature, this essay uses a narrative style to propose a shocking and absurd solution to the problem of overpopulation and poverty in Ireland. It’s a classic example of a narrative essay with a twist.
6. “Once More to the Lake” by E.B. White
White describes a trip to a lake that he used to visit as a child, comparing his own experiences to those of his son. This essay explores the passage of time, nostalgia, and the continuity of life.
7. “The Yellow Wall-Paper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
This semi-autobiographical narrative essay tells the story of a woman’s descent into madness as she is confined to a room with yellow wallpaper. It explores themes of gender, confinement, and mental health.
8. “A Hanging” by George Orwell
In this essay, Orwell recounts his experience witnessing a hanging while serving as a colonial police officer in Burma.
He reflects on the dehumanizing nature of capital punishment and its moral implications.
9. “The Joy of Reading and Writing: Superman and Me” by Sherman Alexie
Alexie shares his personal journey from a young Native American boy with a passion for reading to becoming a successful writer.
It explores themes of education, identity, and the power of literature.
10. “The Clan of One-Breasted Women” by Terry Tempest Williams
Williams tells the story of her family’s experience with cancer and the environmental consequences of nuclear testing in their hometown.
This essay blends personal narrative with social and environmental commentary.
These examples of narrative essays cover a wide range of themes, styles, and tones, showcasing the versatility and power of the narrative form in conveying personal experiences and larger societal issues.