In the realm of literature and historical accounts, the terms autobiography and biography are often used to describe two distinct forms of writing. Both of these genres deal with the narration of a person’s life, but they differ significantly in terms of perspective, purpose, style, and intent. Understanding these differences can help readers, writers, and researchers navigate through personal histories and stories more effectively. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve deep into the characteristics of autobiographies and biographies, their importance, and how they contribute to our understanding of individual lives.
What is an Autobiography?
An autobiography is a detailed narrative of a persons life written by that individual. The term comes from the Greek words “autos” meaning “self,” “bios” meaning “life,” and “graphein” meaning “to write.” In an autobiography, the author recounts their own life experiences, providing personal insights into events, relationships, emotions, and reflections. It is, in essence, a first-person narrative where the author is both the subject and the narrator.
What is a Biography?
A biography, on the other hand, is a na
Difference between Biography and Autobiography
The two traditional forms of literature that describe the character sketch and course of the life of a person are biography and autobiography. Biography is the life history of an individual, written by someone else, whereas the autobiography is an expression of a persons life, written by self.
Both of these two presents the view of, what happened in the past where the author lived. These are non-fiction books, written in chronological order, tells a story about the person who made a significant contribution in a specific field. Many think that the two writing forms are one and the same thing, but there are noticeable difference between the two, that are presented in the given article.
Content: Biography Vs Autobiography
- Comparison Chart
- Definition
- Key Differences
- Video
- Conclusion
Comparison Chart
| Basis for Comparison | Biography | Autobiography |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Biography refers to an account that tells someone else's life story. | Autobiography means an account that tells your life story. |
| Authorization | Can be written, with or without the authorization of the subject. | Not required |
| Written in | Third person | First
While an autobiography and a biography both tell the story of someone’s life, they are not the same thing. When a person writes his or her own life story, the finished work is an autobiography. When an author writes a book about another person’s life, the result is a biography. Key Biography vs. Autobiography DifferencesWhile there are some similarities between biographies and autobiographies, there are several notable differences between the two types of books.
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