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Questions and Answers
What is the primary intention of a biography?
What is a limitation of biography as a literary device?
What is a common feature of biographical works?
When can a biography be written about a person?
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What is an example of a biographical work that has been turned into another form of art?
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What is a key characteristic of biographical subjects?
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What is the primary purpose of a biography?
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What is the main difference between a biography and an autobiography?
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What is the primary focus of a memoir?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an autobiography?
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Study Notes
Definition and Characteristics of a Biography
- A biography is a non-fiction, written history or account of a person's life.
- Biographies aim to provide an objective portrayal of a person, written in the third person.
- Biographers collect information from various sources, including the subject, acquaintances, reference materials, records, diaries, interviews, and experts.
- Biographies intend to present a person's life story, establishing the context for the reader.
Limitations of Biographies
- Biographers are restricted in terms of access to the subject's thoughts or feelings, even if the subject is involved in the biographical process.
- Biographical works typically include details of significant events, childhood, education, career, and relationships.
Examples of Biographical Subjects
- Biographical subjects can be people who have pioneered something in their field of expertise or done something extraordinary for humanity.
- Examples of biographical subjects include political leaders, artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, actors, writers, historical figures, serial killers, and more.
Importance of Biographies
- Biographies allow readers to learn about someone's story and history, which can be enlightening, inspiring, and meaningful in creating connections.
Differences Between Biography, Autobiography, and Memoir
- Biography: an informational narrative and account of a person's life, written by someone other than the subject.
- Autobiography: the story of an individual's life, written by that individual, often presented chronologically with a focus on key events.
- Memoir: a written collection of a person's significant memories, written by that individual, focusing on reflection and creating an emotional connection with the reader.
Memoir Characteristics
- Memoirs do not generally include biographical information or chronological events unless relevant to the story being presented.
- Memoirs are often presented in a narrative style that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
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Description
Test your knowledge about biographies and how they are written. Learn about the objective portrayal of a person's life, the sources used by biographers, and the purpose of presenting a life story in context for readers.
