How To Write A Conclusion For A Narrative Essay: Crafting a Memorable Ending
Writing a narrative essay is like embarking on a journey. You meticulously build the story, crafting characters, setting the scene, and developing a compelling plot. But the journey isn’t complete until you reach the destination: the conclusion. This is where you leave a lasting impression on your reader, tying up loose ends and revealing the deeper meaning behind your story. This guide will equip you with the skills to write a conclusion that elevates your narrative essay from good to unforgettable.
The Importance of a Powerful Narrative Essay Conclusion
Why is the conclusion so crucial? Think of it as the final brushstroke on a masterpiece. It’s the last opportunity to shape the reader’s perception and ensure they understand the core message of your narrative. A weak conclusion can undermine the impact of the entire essay, while a strong one can transform a good story into a truly resonant experience. It reinforces the themes, solidifies the emotional connection, and leaves the reader pondering your story long after they’ve finished reading.
Key Elements of a Compelling Conclusion
A great conclusion is more than just a summary. It should ideally incorporate these elements:
Restating the Thesis (in a Fresh Way)
While you shouldn’t simply repeat your thesis statement word-for-word, you should reiterate the central idea or main point of your narrative. This reinforces the focus of your essay and reminds the reader of the journey they’ve undertaken. However, avoid sounding redundant. Rephrase your thesis using different wording or by subtly hinting at it through the final sentences.
Summarizing the Key Events (Selectively)
A brief recap of the most significant events can be helpful. However, avoid a detailed play-by-play. Instead, focus on the pivotal moments that contributed to the story’s climax and resolution. These should be the events that directly relate to your overall message.
Highlighting the Significance of the Narrative
What’s the point of your story? Why should the reader care? Your conclusion should clearly articulate the broader significance of your narrative. This might involve reflecting on the lessons learned, the emotional impact of the experience, or the universal themes explored within the story.
Providing a Sense of Closure (or Openness)
The conclusion should provide a sense of closure. This doesn’t necessarily mean a perfect resolution for every aspect of the story. It can also involve hinting at the future or leaving the reader to contemplate the implications of the narrative. The choice depends on the nature of your story and the message you want to convey.
Techniques for Writing Effective Conclusions
Now, let’s explore specific techniques to help you craft a powerful conclusion:
Reflecting on the Transformation
Did the protagonist undergo a change? Did they learn something? The conclusion is an excellent place to reflect on the transformative journey experienced by your characters. Discuss how they’ve grown, what they’ve realized, and how their perspective has shifted.
Connecting to a Larger Theme
Narrative essays often explore universal themes like love, loss, courage, or resilience. In your conclusion, explicitly connect your story to one or more of these broader themes. This helps the reader understand the significance of your narrative beyond the specific events of the story.
Using Imagery and Vivid Language
Don’t let your writing get stale in the conclusion. Employ vivid language, imagery, and sensory details to create a lasting impression. This can help to evoke emotions and leave a strong impact on the reader. A well-crafted sentence can be just as memorable as a pivotal scene.
Offering a Call to Action (Optional)
Depending on the nature of your narrative, you might consider including a subtle call to action. This could involve encouraging the reader to reflect on a similar experience, to consider a particular perspective, or to take action related to the story’s themes.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
While crafting a conclusion, it’s crucial to steer clear of common mistakes:
- Don’t introduce new information. The conclusion should summarize and reflect, not present new elements.
- Avoid apologies or excuses. This can weaken the impact of your story.
- Don’t be overly sentimental or cliché. Aim for genuine emotion, not forced sentimentality.
- Don’t simply summarize the plot. Go beyond the surface level to explore the deeper meaning.
Example: Applying These Principles
Let’s imagine a narrative essay about overcoming a fear of public speaking. Here’s how the conclusion might look, incorporating the techniques discussed:
“The tremor in my hands subsided, replaced by a steady pulse of adrenaline. Looking out at the faces in the audience, I no longer saw a sea of judging eyes, but a collection of shared experiences. The fear, once a monstrous barrier, had transformed into a challenge I had met and conquered. The lessons learned that day, about preparation, perseverance, and the power of vulnerability, extended far beyond the confines of that stage. It wasn’t just about speaking; it was about finding my voice, not just in the world but within myself. And as I took my seat, a quiet confidence bloomed, a testament to the power of facing your fears and emerging, stronger, on the other side.”
This conclusion restates the central idea (overcoming fear), summarizes the key event (the speech), highlights the significance (finding one’s voice), and leaves the reader with a sense of hope and empowerment.
Refining Your Conclusion: A Checklist
Before submitting your narrative essay, use this checklist to ensure your conclusion is as effective as possible:
- Does it restate the thesis in a new way?
- Does it summarize the key events concisely?
- Does it highlight the significance of the narrative?
- Does it provide a sense of closure or openness?
- Does it avoid introducing new information?
- Does it utilize vivid language and imagery?
- Is it free of clichés and sentimentalism?
By following these steps, you can craft a conclusion that resonates with your readers and leaves a lasting impression.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about narrative essay conclusions:
What if my story doesn’t have a clear “moral”?
That’s perfectly fine. Not every narrative needs a neat, tidy moral. Focus on the deeper meaning, the emotional impact, and the insights gained from the experience. Your conclusion can simply reflect on these aspects.
How long should my conclusion be?
There’s no hard-and-fast rule, but generally, the conclusion should be about 5-10% of the total essay length. The length should depend on the complexity of the narrative and the depth of the reflections you want to include.
Can I use dialogue in my conclusion?
Yes, you absolutely can, but use it sparingly. A well-placed piece of dialogue can be a powerful way to end the story on a poignant note. However, make sure it fits the overall tone and purpose of your conclusion.
How do I avoid sounding repetitive?
Rephrasing your thesis, using different vocabulary, and focusing on the broader implications of your story are all effective strategies. Think about the core message of your narrative and find fresh ways to express it.
What’s the most important thing to remember?
The most important thing is to connect with your reader emotionally. Let your passion for your story shine through in your conclusion. This will make it memorable and impactful.
Conclusion: Leaving Your Mark
Writing a compelling conclusion for a narrative essay is an art, requiring careful consideration and skillful execution. By understanding the key elements, employing effective techniques, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can craft a conclusion that elevates your story and leaves a lasting impression on your readers. Remember, the conclusion is your final opportunity to connect with your audience, to solidify your message, and to make your narrative truly unforgettable. Embrace this opportunity, and write a conclusion that resonates.