* The outline provides the structure: The outline dictates the essay's organization, determining the order of ideas, the points to be covered in each section, and the overall flow of the narrative. It's like a skeletal framework.
* The essay fleshes out the outline: The actual essay adds detail, specifics, sensory descriptions, anecdotes, and reflection to the skeletal structure provided by the outline. The outline's points become fully developed paragraphs or sections.
* The outline ensures coherence: A well-crafted outline ensures the essay maintains a logical and coherent progression of thoughts. It helps avoid rambling or digressions.
* The outline aids in revision: The outline can be revisited during the revision process to ensure the essay stays true to its initial purpose and structure. It helps identify any gaps in logic or missing details.
* The outline isn't always rigid: While an outline serves as a guide, a personal essay, by its nature, allows for some flexibility. The writing process might lead to unforeseen insights or shifts in focus, requiring minor adjustments to the outline. However, significant deviations should be carefully considered to maintain coherence.
In short, the outline is the plan, and the essay is the finished building constructed according to that plan. The better the plan (outline), the better the finished product (essay) is likely to be.