Writing Biographies: Critiquing It

Introduction to Writing Biographies

Writing biographies involving understanding this genre and then writing on/about it. It is a genre of written literature that offers a comprehensive and systematic account of a person’s life. It emphasizes factual accuracy, chronological organization, and contextual analysis. It also serves as a means of preserving and conveying the individual’s experiences, achievements, and impact on society, providing insights into their character, motivations, and contributions.

Writing biographies often blend historical context with personal narratives to create a multidimensional portrait of the subject, contributing to a deeper understanding of both the individual and their historical milieu.

Steps for Writing Biography

Step	Explanation	Practical Example
1. Choose Your Subject for Writing Biography	Select an individual whose life story interests you and is worth documenting.	If you’re passionate about art history, you might choose Leonardo da Vinci as your subject.
2. Conduct Thorough Research	Gather information from reliable sources like books, interviews, and archival materials.	You collect da Vinci’s notebooks, art history books, and interviews with experts on his life and work.
3. Outline When Writing Biographies/Biography	Plan the structure and organization, deciding between a chronological or thematic approach.	You decide to structure the biography chronologically, starting with his early life in Vinci.
4. Start with a Captivating Introduction	Hook your readers with a compelling opening that introduces the subject and sets the tone.	You begin with an intriguing anecdote about da Vinci’s mysterious notebooks and their significance.
5. Detail Key Life Events	Highlight significant events, achievements, and challenges in the subject’s life.	You delve into his apprenticeship with Verrocchio, the creation of “The Last Supper,” and more.
6. Explore Relationships and Impact	Discuss their relationships, contributions, and lasting legacy in their field or society.	You explore his interactions with Medici patrons, the influence of his art on the Renaissance, etc.
7. Edit and Refine	Review and edit your biography for clarity, objectivity, and accuracy.	You revise for clarity, remove biases, and fact-check details about da Vinci’s life and achievements.
8. Finalize and Share	Proofread your work, consider your audience, and decide how and where you want to publish or share your biography.	After final revisions, you prepare to share the biography as a published book on da Vinci’s life.

Benefits of Writing Biography

1. Human Connection:
   • Writing biography allows readers to connect with real people, fostering empathy and understanding of others’ experiences.
2. Inspiration:
   • Reading about individuals’ life journeys can inspire readers by showcasing how others have overcome challenges and achieved success.
3. Historical Insight:
   • Writing biography provides a window into different time periods and historical contexts, aiding in a deeper understanding of history.
4. Role Models:
   • Writing biography offers role models and examples of resilience, leadership, and determination, which can be motivating.
5. Personal Growth:
   • They can encourage personal growth and self-reflection as readers relate to the struggles and triumphs of the subjects.
6. Diverse Perspectives:
   • Writing biography allows for exposure to diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and cultures, promoting tolerance and cultural awareness.
7. Educational Value:
   • They are an educational resource, offering insights into various fields, professions, and life experiences.
8. Entertainment and Learning:
   • Biographies provide both entertainment and learning opportunities, making them a versatile genre for readers of all ages and interests.

Literary Device of Biography in Literary Theory

Literary Theory	Critique through Literary Theory
Feminist Theory	Feminist theory may critique biography for perpetuating traditional gender roles, focusing primarily on male subjects, and reinforcing patriarchal narratives that marginalize women’s experiences. It may call for more inclusive and diverse representations in biographical accounts.
Postcolonial Theory	Postcolonial theory may critique biography for reinforcing colonial power dynamics by privileging the perspectives and experiences of colonizers over the colonized. It may call for decolonizing biographical narratives, centering marginalized voices, and challenging Eurocentric biases.
Marxist Theory	Marxist theory may critique biography for obscuring class struggles and socioeconomic inequalities by emphasizing individual agency and personal achievements. It may call for a more critical examination of the social and economic contexts that shape a subject’s life and the structures of power at play.
Queer Theory	Queer theory may critique biography for upholding heteronormative narratives and erasing or downplaying the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals. It may call for a more inclusive and intersectional approach to biographical representation that recognizes diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.
Poststructuralism	Poststructuralist theory may critique biography for presenting a fixed and coherent narrative of an individual’s life, overlooking the complexities, contradictions, and multiple interpretations that exist. It may call for embracing ambiguity, exploring the gaps and silences in biographical accounts, and questioning the authority of the biographer.

Please note that these critiques are not exhaustive. There can be multiple interpretations and perspectives within each literary theory.

Suggested Readings to Writing Biographies

1. Axelrod, Alan, and Charles R. Cooper. The St. Martin’s Guide to Writing Biography. Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2003.
2. Egan, Susanna. Biography: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press, 2009.
3. Lejeune, Philippe. On Autobiography. University of Minnesota Press, 1989.
4. Smith, Sidonie, and Julia Watson. Reading Autobiography: A Guide for Interpreting Life Narratives. University of Minnesota Press, 2001.
5. Spengemann, William C. The Forms of Autobiography: Episodes in the History of a Literary Genre. Yale University Press, 1980.