A biography written by the subject themselves is called an autobiography.
An autobiography is essentially the story of a person's life, narrated and written by that person. It delves into their personal experiences, thoughts, feelings, and reflections on the events that have shaped their life. It is a first-person account offering unique insights and perspectives that only the subject can provide.
Here's a breakdown of key aspects:
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First-Person Narrative: Autobiographies are written in the first person ("I," "me," "my," "mine"). This allows the author to directly communicate their thoughts and experiences to the reader.
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Personal Account: The narrative focuses on the author's personal journey, including significant life events, relationships, accomplishments, and challenges.
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Subjective Perspective: While autobiographies strive for accuracy, they inherently reflect the author's subjective interpretation of events. Memories can be selective, and interpretations can be influenced by personal biases and emotions.
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Literary Genre: Autobiography is recognized as a distinct literary genre with its own conventions and stylistic possibilities.
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Purpose: Individuals write autobiographies for various reasons, including:
- Sharing their life story and legacy
- Reflecting on personal growth and development
- Inspiring others through their experiences
- Gaining a deeper understanding of themselves
- Providing a historical record from their perspective
Distinction from Memoir: It's worth noting the difference between autobiography and memoir. While both are first-person accounts of a life, an autobiography generally covers the entire scope of a person's life, while a memoir typically focuses on a specific theme, period, or event within that life.
