Here's a breakdown:
Acceptable:
* First-person narrative: When the essay is told from your own perspective, using "I," "me," "my," etc. is essential and entirely appropriate.
* Informal style: If you're writing a more personal and informal essay, using first-person pronouns can help create a sense of intimacy and connection with the reader.
Not as acceptable:
* Formal academic essays: In these essays, using first-person pronouns is usually discouraged. The focus should be on objective analysis and evidence, not personal opinions or feelings.
* Third-person narrative: If you're writing in the third person (he/she/they), using personal pronouns would be grammatically incorrect and create confusion.
Tips:
* Consider your audience: Who are you writing for? What kind of tone and style do they expect?
* Look at examples: Read other narrative essays to see how they handle personal pronouns.
* Check with your teacher or editor: If you're unsure, it's always best to ask for guidance.
In general, it's perfectly acceptable to use personal pronouns in a narrative essay if it's appropriate for the style and purpose of your writing. Just make sure to use them consistently and effectively to create a clear and engaging narrative.