Biography

Biography

Definition and Characteristics

  • A Biography is a detailed account of a person’s life, written by someone else. It offers an insight into the individual’s experiences, achievements, and contributions.
  • Being a factual account, a biography should be accurately researched and sourced, often with interviews, diaries, and letters.
  • A biography aims to present a well-rounded view of a person, including their strengths, weaknesses, successes and struggles.
  • It often follows a chronological order, but some biographies focus on specific incidents or phases of the subject’s life.

Structure

  • Biographies typically start with an introduction providing an overview of the subject’s life and significance.
  • The body is chronological, detailing the individual’s upbringing, education, career, personal life, and significant events.
  • The conclusion often summarises the person’s legacy and impact on their field, society, or the world.

Language

  • Biographies rely on descriptive language to vividly portray the subject’s life.
  • Figures of speech, such as similes, metaphors, and personification, are used to make the narrative compelling.
  • Direct and indirect speech may be used, incorporating quotes from the subject and others who knew them.
  • Biographies also utilise analytical language to delve into the subject’s thoughts, motivations, and actions.

Purpose

  • The main purpose of a biography is to inform readers about a person’s life and share their experiences.
  • Biographies can also inspire or educate readers, highlighting the journeys of significant figures from various fields.
  • They can humanise public figures, revealing their struggles and accomplishments beyond their public persona.

Examples

  • Examples of biographies include: ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ by Otto Frank and Mirjam Pressler, ‘Long Walk to Freedom’ by Nelson Mandela, ‘Jane Eyre’ by Charlotte Bronte, and ‘Steve Jobs’ by Walter Isaacson.

Identifying and Evaluating Biographies

  • When examining biographies, identify the main events, achievements and themes in the subject’s life
  • Evaluate the accuracy and bias in the portrayal. Is it objective, or overly positive or critical?
  • Consider the biographer’s perspective. How does it affect the representation of the subject?
  • Analyse the use of figurative language and narrative techniques. How do they enrich the biography and the understanding of the subject?