One of the main differences between biography and autobiography is in the author. In the autobiography it is the same character who relates his life. In the biography, it is another person who recounts the experiences of some relevant person.
The biography is a literary genre in which someone's life is related, including all the data that the researcher has been able to find. Although something similar already existed in antiquity, it is not until the Renaissance that the first works of this type appear.
For its part, the autobiography is a first-person account written by the protagonist himself. Marcus Aurelius is considered one of the first to write a book of this type.
The 5 main differences between autobiography and biography
Both share the main purpose: to tell the life and works of a character. Although both share more similarities than differences, it is possible to point out some characteristics of each one.
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It is the main and most obvious difference between the two genders. In the autobiography it is the protagonist himself who is responsible for recounting his life and achievements.
Even so, some characters seek outside help to be able to write the book in a more correct way: they are considered "ghost authors" who correct what is written by the author or write the experiences that the protagonists are telling them. Despite this intervention, they are still considered autobiographies.
For its part, the biography is always written by a third person. In many cases, a thorough investigation is needed to complete the task.
Beyond the objective data such as the date of birth, the work carried out, among other aspects, it is necessary to collect information on more private matters.
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Although it is true that in most cases this does not make a difference, there can be a disparity of intentions between both genders.
Generally, an autobiography will always have a positive tone and intention; it is unusual for a character to write about his life to speak ill of himself.
However, this can happen in the biography. Not all the characters are worthy of admiration. For example, someone who writes about Hitler's life is rarely going to give it a laudatory tone.
There are different biographies about the same person whose difference is in terms of the approach given to the character: they can be positive or negative.
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As a general rule there is also a difference in writing style. While the biography is told in the third person through a neutral writing tone, the autobiographies are written in the first person.
Autobiographies usually include many more opinions and thoughts of the author, being more intimate.
Unless the researcher writing a biography has sources very close to the character he describes, it is difficult for him to be able to get so much into the mind of the protagonist.
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The veracity of what is written can also vary, but more for the intention of the author than for the genre to which it belongs.
In an autobiography there may be the assurance that the character knows his life perfectly, but there are some autobiographies that are an attempt to justify negative events. For that, sometimes data is hidden that could harm it.
As for the biographies, it depends on the professionalism of the researchers, and also on what they intend when writing the book.
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Naturally, autobiographies are always authoritative stories, since they are written by the same person.
However, there are numerous examples of autobiographies unauthorized by the protagonists of the same or by their families, in the event that he had died. This usually happens when facts considered false or negative are highlighted.
References
- Wikipedia. Biography. Obtained from es.wikipedia.org
- Key Differences. Difference between Biography and Autobiography. (November 1, 2014). Retrieved from keydifferences.com
- Du Han, Kim. What is the difference between biographies and autobiographies ?. Retrieved from quora.com
- Hammond, Darin. What Are the Differences Between an Autobiographical Narrative & a Biography ?. Retrieved from penandthepad.com
- Seybold, Ron. Know the difference between memoir, autobiography and biography: all about you. (June 27, 2013). Retrieved from writestuff-writersworkshop.com