Autobiography vs. Biography - Learn the Differences

Many students often mix up autobiographies and biographies, which can lead to using them incorrectly.

While both types of writing tell someone's life story, they have important differences that change how the story is shared and understood.

In this blog post, we’ll break down what makes autobiographies and biographies unique. We’ll look at how they differ and what sets each one apart. By the end, you’ll know which one is the best fit for your needs.

Let’s explore the differences between autobiographies vs. biographies!

What Is An Autobiography

An autobiography is a written account of one's life, written by the person themselves. It is a form of personal narrative where the author reflects on their experiences, challenges, accomplishments, and growth throughout their life.

Writing an autobiography can be a powerful way to reflect on one's life and share their story with others. It can provide insight into the human experience and inspire others to reflect on their own lives and experiences.

Purpose of Writing an Autobiography

People may choose to write an autobiography for a variety of reasons, including:

• To reflect on their life and experiences
• To share their story with others
• To inspire and motivate others
• To preserve their legacy
• To come to terms with difficult experiences

Here are some examples of famous autobiographies:

• "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank
• "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
• "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou
• "The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin" by Benjamin Franklin
• "The Story of My Experiments with Truth" by Mahatma Gandhi

What Is An Biography

A biography is a written account of a person's life, detailing their experiences, accomplishments, and challenges. Biographies can be written about anyone, from historical figures to contemporary celebrities. 

They offer readers a glimpse into the lives of individuals who have had a significant impact on the world around them. By documenting a person's legacy, biographies ensure that their contributions are not forgotten.

Purpose of Writing a Biography

There are various reasons why people may opt to write a biography including:

• To provide an accurate and detailed account of a person's life.
• To inspire and educate readers about the accomplishments and challenges of a person's life.
• To document and preserve the legacy of a person for future generations.
• To provide insight into the historical and cultural context in which a person lived.
• To shed light on the personal and emotional experiences of a person's life.

Here are some popular biography examples:

• "Steve Jobs" by Walter Isaacson
• "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Malcolm X and Alex Haley
• "Becoming" by Michelle Obama
• "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot
• "The Diary of Anne Frank" by Anne Frank

Autobiography vs Biography - Differences

Here's a detailed table outlining the differences between an autobiography and a biography:

	Autobiography	Biography
Definition	A written account of one's own life, written by oneself	A written account of someone else's life, written by another person
Perspective	Written in the first-person perspective, from the author's point of view	Written in the third-person perspective, from the biographer's point of view
Objectivity	Can be subjective, as the author may have a personal bias or emotional connection to the events described	Generally more objective, as the biographer is not directly involved in the events being described
Tone	Can be more emotional and personal, reflecting the author's own experiences and perspectives	Generally more neutral and factual, focusing on the subject's life and accomplishments
Scope	Covers the author's entire life or a specific period of their life, as determined by the author	Can cover a person's entire life, or a specific period of their life, as determined by the biographer

Autobiography vs Biography - Similarities

This table outlines the similarities between autobiography and biography:

	Autobiography	Biography
Definition	Both are written accounts of a person's life, experiences, and achievements	Both offer readers insight into the life and legacy of a person
Historical Significance	Both can offer insights into the historical and cultural context of the time in which the person lived	Both can be used to study history and culture
Learning Opportunity	Both can inspire and educate readers about how individuals overcame challenges and made a difference in the world	Both can provide insights into how individuals achieve their goals
Reflection	Both can be cathartic experiences for the author or biographer, as they reflect on the life of the subject or themselves	Both can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and others

Autobiography Vs. Biography Vs. Memoir

The below table compares three different types of nonfiction: autobiography, biography, and memoir. You'll find that they all have their own distinct differences from one another and share many similar qualities. 

Autobiography	Biography	Memoir
Written by the subject	Written by an author	Written by the subject
Covers the subject's entire life story	Covers a specific person's life story	The memoir focuses on a specific period or theme in the author's life
Written in chronological order	Written in chronological order or by theme	Written in chronological order or by theme
Personal and introspective	Objective and informative	Personal and introspective

Autobiography Vs. Biography Examples

Here are examples to illustrate the difference between an autobiography and a biography:

Autobiography Example:

“The Story of My Life” by Helen Keller In this autobiography, Helen Keller tells the story of her life, including her experiences as a deaf and blind person. She reflects on the challenges she faced, her education, and her personal growth, providing readers with an intimate look at her life journey.

Biography Example:

"Steve Jobs" by Walter Isaacson This biography, written by Walter Isaacson, explores the life of Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple Inc. It is based on interviews with Jobs, his family, colleagues, and friends. The book delves into his innovative contributions to technology, his leadership at Apple, and his personal and professional challenges, all from the perspective of an external author.

In conclusion, understanding the difference between an autobiography and a biography is crucial for any writer. While both genres aim to tell the story of someone's life, they have distinct differences that should be acknowledged. 

Autobiographies are firsthand accounts written by the subject themselves, while biographies are written by someone else about the subject's life. It is important to consider the purpose and audience of your writing when deciding which genre to pursue. 

We hope that this guide has been helpful in clarifying these differences and assisting you with your writing.

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