Etymology of Biography
The term, biography, originates from the combination of two ancient Greek words: bios meaning “life” and graphein meaning “to write.” The word first appeared in the English language in the late 17th century, derived from the French word biographie. Its etymology reflects the essence of the genre, which involves the written account or narrative of an individual’s life.
Meanings of Biography
Biography has different meanings in different contexts. Here are some possible meanings.
- Written Account: Refers to a written account or narrative of a person’s life, detailing their experiences, achievements, and challenges.
- Comprehensive Exploration: Involves a comprehensive exploration of an individual’s personal and professional journey, offering insights into their character, motivations, and societal impact.
- Literary Genre: Describes the genre of literature or non-fiction writing that focuses on writing biographical accounts.
- Broader Scope: Can encompass any detailed study or examination of a person’s life, including audiovisual presentations, documentaries, or oral histories.
- Figurative Usage: Used metaphorically to describe the compilation or documentation of information about non-human entities, such as the biography of a company or an animal species, providing an understanding of their origins, development, and significance.
Definition of Literary Device of Biography
The literary device of biography involves the meticulous construction of a narrative that captures the essence of an individual’s life through various literary techniques. It uses characterization to portray the subject’s personality, motivations, and inner conflicts. It utilizes techniques such as direct and indirect characterization, dialogue, and anecdotal evidence.
Types of Biographies
| Type of Biography | Explanation | Example from Literature |
| Autobiography | A biography written by the subject themselves, providing a first-person account of their own life. | The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank |
| Memoir | A focused and subjective account of a specific period, experience, or theme in the author’s life. | Educated by Tara Westover |
| Authorized Biography | A biography written with the subject’s cooperation and permission, often providing a detailed and comprehensive account. | Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson |
| Unofficial Biography | A biography written without the subject’s direct involvement or consent, relying on other sources and research. | Shakespeare: The World as Stage by Bill Bryson |
| Collective Biography | A biography that focuses on a group of individuals who share common characteristics or experiences. | The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot |
| Biographical Fiction | A fictionalized account of a person’s life, blending facts with imaginative elements. | The Paris Wife by Paula McLain |
| Historical Biography | A biography that places the subject’s life in a broader historical context, examining their impact on society and events. | Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow |
| Critical Biography | A biography that critically evaluates the subject’s life, personality, and contributions, offering analysis and interpretations. | The Life of Samuel Johnson by James Boswell |
Please note that these are general descriptions, and there may be some overlap or variations within each type of biography.
Literary Examples of Biographies
| Title and Author | Description |
| The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank | This autobiography captures Anne Frank’s voice as a Jewish girl hiding from the Nazis during World War II, providing a personal account of her daily life, hopes, and fears in the context of the Holocaust. |
| The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X and Alex Haley | This autobiography traces Malcolm Little’s transformation into Malcolm X, a civil rights activist and Muslim minister, exploring his journey from a troubled youth to his involvement in the Nation of Islam and his ideological evolution. The book delves into his experiences with racism, discrimination, and self-discovery. |
| Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson | This authorized biography offers a comprehensive account of Steve Jobs’ life and career as the co-founder of Apple Inc., delving into his entrepreneurial genius, innovative vision, leadership style, and lasting impact on the technology industry. |
| The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot | This work combines it with medical history to explore Henrietta Lacks’ story, an African American woman whose cells were used without consent for groundbreaking medical research. It examines the ethical implications, impact on her family, and contributions to medical science, sparking discussions about ethics, race, and consent. |
| Leonardo da Vinci by Walter Isaacson | This story vividly portrays the iconic Renaissance artist and inventor, Leonardo da Vinci, exploring his insatiable curiosity, creative genius, artistic achievements, scientific observations, and enduring impact on art and science, offering a deep understanding of his multidimensional personality and relentless pursuit of knowledge. |
These biographies provide unique insights into the lives, experiences, and contributions of the individuals they feature, shedding light on historical events, social issues, and the complexities of human existence.
Suggested Readings about Biographies
- Axelrod, Alan, and Charles R. Cooper. The St. Martin’s Guide to Writing Biography. Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2003.
- Le, Hermoine. Biography: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press, 2009.
- Lejeune, Philippe. On Autobiography. University of Minnesota Press, 1989.
- Smith, Sidonie, and Julia Watson. Reading Autobiography: A Guide for Interpreting Life Narratives. University of Minnesota Press, 2001.
- Spengemann, William C. The Forms of Autobiography: Episodes in the History of a Literary Genre. Yale University Press, 1980.