autobiography author's purpose

Autobiography

Definition of autobiography.

Autobiography is one type of biography , which tells the life story of its author, meaning it is a written record of the author’s life. Rather than being written by somebody else, an autobiography comes through the person’s own pen, in his own words. Some autobiographies are written in the form of a fictional tale; as novels or stories that closely mirror events from the author’s real life. Such stories include Charles Dickens ’ David Copperfield  and J.D Salinger’s The Catcher in The Rye . In writing about personal experience, one discovers himself. Therefore, it is not merely a collection of anecdotes – it is a revelation to the readers about the author’s self-discovery.

Difference between Autobiography and Memoir

In an autobiography, the author attempts to capture important elements of his life. He not only deals with his career, and growth as a person, he also uses emotions and facts related to family life, relationships, education, travels, sexuality, and any types of inner struggles. A memoir is a record of memories and particular events that have taken place in the author’s life. In fact, it is the telling of a story or an event from his life; an account that does not tell the full record of a life.

Six Types of Autobiography

There are six types of autobiographies:

• Autobiography: A personal account that a person writes himself/herself.
• Memoir : An account of one’s memory.
• Reflective Essay : One’s thoughts about something.
• Confession: An account of one’s wrong or right doings.
• Monologue : An address of one’s thoughts to some audience or interlocuters.
• Biography : An account of the life of other persons written by someone else.

Importance of Autobiography

Autobiography is a significant genre in literature. Its significance or importance lies in authenticity, veracity, and personal testimonies. The reason is that people write about challenges they encounter in their life and the ways to tackle them. This shows the veracity and authenticity that is required of a piece of writing to make it eloquent, persuasive, and convincing.

Examples of Autobiography in Literature

Example #1:  the box: tales from the darkroom by gunter grass.

A noble laureate and novelist, Gunter Grass , has shown a new perspective of self-examination by mixing up his quilt of fictionalized approach in his autobiographical book, “The Box: Tales from the Darkroom.” Adopting the individual point of view of each of his children, Grass narrates what his children think about him as their father and a writer. Though it is really an experimental approach, due to Grass’ linguistic creativity and dexterity, it gains an enthralling momentum.

Example #2:  The Story of My Life by Helen Keller

In her autobiography, The Story of My Life , Helen Keller recounts her first twenty years, beginning with the events of the childhood illness that left her deaf and blind. In her childhood, a writer sent her a letter and prophesied, “Someday you will write a great story out of your own head that will be a comfort and help to many.”

In this book, Keller mentions prominent historical personalities, such as Alexander Graham Bell, whom she met at the age of six, and with whom she remained friends for several years. Keller paid a visit to John Greenleaf Whittier , a famous American poet, and shared correspondence with other eminent figures, including Oliver Wendell Holmes, and Mrs. Grover Cleveland. Generally, Keller’s autobiography is about overcoming great obstacles through hard work and pain.

Example #3:  Self Portraits: Fictions by Frederic Tuten

In his autobiography, “Self Portraits: Fictions ,” Frederic Tuten has combined the fringes of romantic life with reality. Like postmodern writers, such as Jorge Luis Borges, and Italo Calvino, the stories of Tuten skip between truth and imagination, time and place, without warning. He has done the same with his autobiography, where readers are eager to move through fanciful stories about train rides, circus bears, and secrets to a happy marriage; all of which give readers glimpses of the real man.

Example #4:  My Prizes by Thomas Bernhard

Reliving the success of his literary career through the lens of the many prizes he has received, Thomas Bernhard presents a sarcastic commentary in his autobiography, “My Prizes.” Bernhard, in fact, has taken a few things too seriously. Rather, he has viewed his life as a farcical theatrical drama unfolding around him. Although Bernhard is happy with the lifestyle and prestige of being an author, his blasé attitude and scathing wit make this recollection more charmingly dissident and hilarious.

Example #5:  The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin

“The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin ” is written by one of the founding fathers of the United States. This book reveals Franklin’s youth, his ideas, and his days of adversity and prosperity. He is one of the best examples of living the American dream – sharing the idea that one can gain financial independence, and reach a prosperous life through hard work.

Through autobiography, authors can speak directly to their readers, and to their descendants. The function of the autobiography is to leave a legacy for its readers. By writing an autobiography, the individual shares his triumphs and defeats, and lessons learned, allowing readers to relate and feel motivated by inspirational stories. Life stories bridge the gap between peoples of differing ages and backgrounds, forging connections between old and new generations.

Synonyms of Autobiography

The following words are close synonyms of autobiography such as life story, personal account, personal history, diary, journal, biography, or memoir.

Related posts:

• The Autobiography of Malcolm X

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What is an Autobiography? Definition, Elements, and Writing Tips

POSTED ON Oct 1, 2023

Written by Audrey Hirschberger

What is an autobiography, and how do you define autobiography, exactly? If you’re hoping to write an autobiography, it’s an important thing to know. After all, you wouldn’t want to mislabel your book.

What sets an autobiography apart from a memoir or a biography? And what type of writing is most similar to an autobiography? Should you even write one? How? Today we will be discussing all things autobiographical, so you can learn what an autobiography is, what sets it apart, and how to write one of your own – should you so choose. 

But before we get into writing tips, we must first define autobiography. So what is an autobiography, precisely? 

Need A Nonfiction Book Outline?

This Guide to Autobiographies Contains Information On:

What is an autobiography: autobiography meaning defined.

What is an autobiography? It’s a firsthand recounting of an author’s own life. So, if you were to write an autobiography, you would be writing a true retelling of your own life events. 

Autobiography cannot be bound to only one type of work. What an autobiography is has more to do with the contents than the format. For example, autobiographical works can include letters, diaries, journals, or books – and may not have even been meant for publication. 

An autobiography is what many celebrities, government officials, and important social figures sit down to write at the end of their lives or distinguished careers. 

Of course, the work doesn’t have to cover your whole life. You can absolutely write an autobiography in your 20s or 30s if you’ve lived through events worth sharing!

If an autobiography doesn’t cover the entire lifespan of the author, it can start to get confused with another genre of writing. So what’s an autobiography most similar to? And how can you tell it apart from other genres of writing? Let’s dive into the details. 

What type of writing is most similar to an autobiography?

A memoir is undoubtedly what type of writing is most similar to an autobiography. So what is the difference between an autobiography vs memoir ?

Simply put, a memoir is a book that an author writes about their own life with the intention of communicating a lesson or message to the reader. It doesn’t need to be written in chronological order, and only contains pieces of the author’s life story. 

An autobiography, on the other hand, is the author’s life story from birth to present, and it’s much less concerned with theme than it is with communicating a “highlight reel” of the author’s biggest life events. 

In addition to memoirs, there is also some confusion between autobiography vs biography . A biography is a true story about someone’s life, but it is not about the author’s life. 

Is an autobiography always nonfiction?

When many people define autobiography, they say it is a true or “nonfiction” telling of an author’s life – but that’s not always the case.

There is actually such a thing as autobiographical fiction .

Autobiographical fiction refers to a story that is based on fact and inspired by the author’s actual experiences…but has made-up characters or events. Any element in the story can be embellished upon or fabricated. 

Even the information in a standard “nonfiction” autobiography should be taken with a grain of salt. After all, anything written from the author’s perspective may contain certain biases, distortions, or unconscious omissions within the text. 

So if being nonfiction isn’t a defining characteristic of an autobiography, what is an autobiography defined by? 

The key elements of an autobiography

What’s an autobiography like from cover to cover? It should contain these key elements:

• A personal narrative : It is a firsthand account of the author's life experiences.
• A chronological structure : An autobiography typically follows a chronological order, tracing the author's life from birth to present.
• Reflection and insight : The book should contain the author's reflections, insights, and emotions about key life events.
• Key life events : The book should highlight significant events, milestones, and challenges in the author's life.
• Setting and context : There should be descriptions of the time period, cultural background, and environment to help the reader understand the author’s life.
• Authenticity : The author should be honest and sincere in presenting their life story.
• A personal perspective : An autobiography is written from the author's unique point of view.
• A strong conclusion : The ending of the book should reflect on the author's current state or outlook.

Famous Autobiography Examples

Now that you know what an autobiography is, let’s look at some famous autobiography examples .

The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank (1947)

Perhaps no autobiography is more famous than The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank. Her diary chronicles her profound thoughts, dreams, and fears as she hides with her family in the walls during the Holocaust. 

Anne's words resonate with the enduring spirit of hope amid unimaginable darkness.

The Autobiography of Ben Franklin by Benjamin Franklin (1909)

Benjamin Franklin's autobiography follows Franklin’s life from humble origins to one of America's greatest forefathers. While originally intended as a collection of anecdotes for his son, this autobiography has become one of the most famous works of American literature. 

Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela (1994)

Long Walk to Freedom narrates Nelson Mandela's epic odyssey from South African prisoner to revered statesman. This masterpiece of an autobiography is a portrait of resilience against the backdrop of apartheid – and his words are a bastion for courage and human rights. 

Now you know what an autobiography is, and some examples of successful autobiographies, so it’s time to discuss what goes into actually writing one. 

Who Should Write an Autobiography?

Celebrity autobiographies are popular for a reason – the people who wrote them were already popular. 

The main purpose of an autobiography is to portray the life experiences and achievements of the author. If you haven’t made any massive achievements that people are already aware of, an autobiography might not be for you. Instead, you should learn how to write a memoir . 

After all, what’s an autobiography worth if no one reads it?

If you have made an important contribution to society, or have amassed a massive following of fans, then writing an autobiography could be a fabulous idea.

An autobiography is what allows you to claim your rightful place in history. It provides a legacy for your life, helps you to better understand your life’s journey, and can even be deeply therapeutic to write. 

But then comes the next problem: how to write an autobiography.

Tips on Writing Your Own Autobiography 

While memoirs are the books that teach life lessons, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give your autobiography meaning. The best autobiographies paint a vivid tapestry of personal growth and introspection. 

You don’t just want to tell the reader about your life – you want them to feel like they are living it with you.

And it’s not just about painting a picture with your prose. A lot of thought should go into everything from autobiography titles to page count. To get started, here are five tips for writing an autobiography:

• Know your audience : Understand who will read your autobiography and speak to them while writing.
• Be candid and authentic : A life seen through rose-colored glasses isn’t relatable. You should include your failures as well as your triumphs, and humanize yourself so your story resonates with your reader.
• Do your research : Of course you know what happened in your life, but how many details do you actually remember? You may need to sift through photos, archives, and diaries – and interview people close to you. Consider adding the photos to your book. 
• Identify key themes : Identify key events and life lessons that have shaped you. Reflect on how these themes have evolved over time.
• Edit and edit again : Write freely first, then edit rigorously. Seek feedback from trusted individuals and consider professional editing to ensure clarity and coherence in your narrative. NO ONE writes perfectly the first time. 

So there you have it, you are well on your way to understanding (and writing) an autobiography. 

If you'd still like more guidance for writing your autobiography, you can check out our free autobiography template . We can’t wait for you to share your life story with the world. 

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autobiography

What is autobiography definition, usage, and literary examples, autobiography definition.

An  autobiography  (awe-tow-bye-AWE-gruh-fee) is a self-written  biography . The author writes about all or a portion of their own life to share their experience, frame it in a larger cultural or historical context, and/or inform and entertain the reader.

Autobiographies have been a popular literary genre for centuries. The first Western autobiography is attributed to Saint Augustine of Hippo for his 13-book work titled  Confessions , written between 397 and 400 CE. Some autobiographies are a straightforward narrative that recollects a linear chain of events as they unfolded. The genre has expanded and evolved to include different approaches to the form.

The word  autobiography  comes from the Ancient Greek  auto  (“self”) +  bios  (“life”) +  graphein  (“to write”) = “a self-written life.” It is also known as autography .

The History of Autobiography

Scholars regard Augustine’s  Confessions  as the first Western autobiography. Other autobiographical works from antiquity include Jewish historian Flavius Josephus’s  Vita  (circa 99 CE) and Greek scholar Libanius’s  Oration I  (374 CE). Works of this kind were called apologias, which essentially means “in my defense.” Writers approached these works not as acts of self-documentation but as self-defense. They represented a way to explain and provide rationale for their life, work, and escapades. There was also less focus on their emotional lives.

The Book of Margery Kempe , written in 1438 by an English Christian mystic, is the earliest known autobiography in English. (Though it didn’t see full publication until the 20th century.) Other early English-language biographies of note include:

• Lord Herbert of Cherbury’s 1764 memoirs
• John Bunyan’s  Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners  in 1666
• Jarena Lee’s  The Life and Religious Experience of Jarena Lee  (the first autobiography of an African American woman)

Philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s  Confessions was published in 1782. It paved the way for the more thoughtful, emotionally centered autobiographies seen today. Autobiography as a literary genre emerged a few years later, when British scholar William Taylor first used the term to describe a self-written biography. He did so disparagingly, suggesting the form was  pedantic . In 1809, English Romantic poet Robert Southey used the term more seriously to describe self-written biographies.

Starting in the 20th century, more young people started writing autobiographies. Perhaps the most famous example is Anne Frank’s  The Diary of a Young Girl , about her time hiding from the Nazis in an Amsterdam attic. The 21st century saw an increase in autobiographical essay collections and memoirs by younger celebrities, including:

• Anna Kendrick
• Mindy Kaling
• Gabourey Sidibe
• Mike Birbiglia
• Lena Dunham
• Chelsea Handler

Autobiographies are not immune to controversy. One notable scandal involved author James Frey’s  A Million Little Pieces . Originally billed as a memoir, evidence later emerged that Frey invented key parts of the story. This example underscores how easily authors can cross over into autofiction—fictional autobiography—and how seriously readers take authors’ responsibility to accurately and honestly market their books.

Types of Autobiographies

There are a few different types of self-written works that qualify as autobiography.

Standard Autobiographies

In the most traditional form, authors recount their life or specific formative events from their life. This approach often utilizes a chronological format of events, but it doesn’t necessarily have to. An author’s approach might include a framing device such as flashbacks, in which they move from the present to the past as they remember their lives. For example, Broadway star Patti LuPone’s self-titled autobiography begins on the opening night of  Gypsy  in 2004 before moving back in time to LuPone’s childhood. An author could take a more stream-of-consciousness style, in which one memory links to another by a common theme. Irish writer Seán O’Casey narrates his six-volume  Autobiographies  in this manner

This is a type of autobiography that is narrower in scope and focus. It places greater emphasis on particular memories, thoughts, and feelings. A standard autobiography can certainly cover some of this same ground—most do—but the memoir is more interested in individual events or defined portions of the author’s life and the emotions and lessons behind them.

Henry David Thoreau is a notable memoirist. In Walden , he reflects on his time spent living in solitude in the woods of Massachusetts and what he learned about life and nature throughout this experience. Another example is  The Year of Magical Thinking  by Joan Didion, which relates the death of her husband and its impact on her life and work. Another is  Wild  by Cheryl Strayed, wherein Strayed remembers her time hiking the Pacific Crest Trail during a period of great change in her life.

Autofiction

The fictionalized autobiography, or autofiction, is another type of autobiography. The author presents their story not as fact but as fiction. This method gives them considerable space to take creative license with events and characters, thereby blurring the lines between reality and fiction. The overall goal is less about the author wanting to obscure facts and make things up and more a matter of taking another tactic to delve into their experiences in service of self-discovery.  Taipei  by Tao Lin is a work of autofiction. The central character, Paul, mirrors Lin’s own life and experiences, from the literary world of New York City to his ancestral roots in Taiwan.

Spiritual Autobiographies

These autobiographies center on the author’s religious or spiritual awakening and the subsequent journey their faith has taken them on. Common elements include struggles and doubt, a life-altering conversion, periods of regression, and sharing the “message.” These all act as endorsements of the author’s faith. Augustine’s  Confessions , Paramahansa Yogananda’s  Autobiography of a Yogi , and Augusten Burroughs’s  Toil & Trouble: A Memoir  are all spiritual autobiographies.

Autobiography vs. Biography

Both autobiographies and  biographies  are records of real lives, but there is one major distinction. A person other than the book’s subject writes a biography, while the subject themselves writes an autobiography. In this way, an autobiography is essentially a biography of the self. The biographer’s job is typically more involved, entailing detailed research into the life of the subject. The autobiographer, however, is usually not burdened by this because they lived through the events they write about. They may need only to confirm dates and stories to accurately relate the pertinent details.

The Function of Autobiography

An autobiography allows the author to tell the true story of their own life. This is the reason why autobiographies have always been written by famous people. History tends to remember notable individuals for just one significant contribution or event and, even then, the public’s perception of it may be inaccurate. Writing an autobiography allows the author to share the real story and put it into the larger context of their life and times.

Most readers pick up an autobiography expecting some degree of subjectivity from the author. After all, the events chronicled happened to the author, so the writing will of course have a biased  perspective . There are advantages to this subjectivity, though. The reader gets the real story directly from the person who lived it, unvarnished by others’ opinions or erroneous historical data.

One way this subjectivity is problematic is that the author may not possess the ability to see the story they’re telling from other perspectives. For example, they may not acknowledge any hurt they caused others, dangerous behaviors they engaged in, or the “other side” of a controversial event in which there are equally valid opposing viewpoints and experiences. Any of these deficiencies can result in a somewhat skewed narrative.

Writers Known for Autobiography & Autobiography Books

• Maya Angelou,  I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings ,  Gather Together in My Name
• Jung Chang,  Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China
• Isak Dinesen,  Out of Africa ,  Shadows on the Grass
• Carrie Fisher,  Wishful Drinking ,  Shockaholic
• Anne Frank,  The Diary of a Young Girl
• Ernest Hemingway,  A Moveable Feast
• Karl Ove Knausgård,  My Struggle
• Frank McCourt,  Angela’s Ashes
• Anaïs Nin,  The Diaries of Anaïs Nin
• Marcel Proust,  Remembrance of Things Past
• Patti Smith,  Just Kids ,  M Train
• Mark Twain, The Autobiography of Mark Twain
• Benjamin Franklin, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
• Malcolm X, The Autobiography of Malcolm X
• Agatha Christie, Agatha Christie: An Autobiography
• Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom
• Mahatma Gandhi, Gandhi: An Autobiography 

Examples of Autobiographies

1. Maya Angelou,  I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Angelou’s autobiography is the first installment in a seven-volume series chronicling the life of the legendary poet, teacher, actress, director, dancer, and civil rights activist. Given all those roles, it’s easy to see why Angelou’s life story makes for interesting reading.

This volume centers primarily on her early life in Stamps, Arkansas, and the devastating effects of a childhood rape. It also explores racism in the American South. It discuses the important role reading plays in helping young Maya deal with the sexual assault and pervasive prejudice in her environment.

2. Helen Keller,  The Story of My Life

Keller’s autobiography details her first 20 years, starting with the childhood illness that caused her blindness and deafness. She discusses the obstacles she had to overcome and the life-changing relationship she shared with her teacher, Anne Sullivan, who helped her learn to read and write. Keller also documents her friendships with several famous figures of her day, including Alexander Graham Bell, John Greenleaf Whittier, Oliver Wendell Holmes, and First Lady Frances Cleveland.

3. Vinh Chung,  Where the Wind Leads

Chung’s autobiography recalls the harrowing story of a Vietnamese refugee and his journey to make the American Dream his own. Born in South Vietnam, Chung comes of age in a changing political climate that eventually compels his family to flee the country. Their voyage takes them through the South China Sea, run-ins with pirates, resettlement in Arkansas, and Chung’s graduation from Harvard Medical School.

How to Write an Autobiography

Autobiography is a truly universal art form and is accessible to anyone, whether you're in high school or 100 years old. Exploring the process of writing an autobiography deserves an article in itself, but the process should include these steps:

• Determine your "why." What lessons do you want to impart via your story, and why are they worth sharing with a broader audience?
• Draft an autobiographical outline. It should include information about your upbringing, impactful moments throughout your life, stories of failure and success, and meaningful mentors.
• Begin with the easiest sections. Getting started is often the greatest hurdle, so begin by writing the chapters that feel most accessible or enjoyable.
• Write your first draft. Once you write the first chapters, it will feel easier to write the rest. Capitalize on your momentum and write a full draft.
• Step away. As with anything, stepping away from your work will help foster fresh perspectives when you return.
• Edit and re-write your draft. Your first draft will probably benefit from thorough revisions, as will your second draft, and maybe your third. Continue to edit and revise until it feels right.
• Ask for help. Bring in a trusted family member or friend or professional editor to help with final edits.

Further Resources on Autobiography

ThoughtCo. shares some  important points to consider before writing an autobiography .

The Living Handbook of Narratology delves into the  history of the autobiography .

MasterClass breaks autobiography writing down into  eight basic steps .

Pen & the Pad looks at the  advantages and disadvantages of the autobiography .

Lifehack has a list of  15 autobiographies everyone should read at least once .

Related Terms

• Frame Story
• Point of View

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What is an Autobiography: Unveiling Personal Stories in an Author’s Own Words?

• September 19, 2023

Table of Contents:

What is an autobiography everything in detail:, purpose of autobiography, content of autobiography, importance of autobiography, examples of personal stories as autobiography:.

• "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank:
• "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela:
• "The Story of My Experiments with Truth" by Mahatma Gandhi:
• "Angela's Ashes" by Frank McCourt:
• "Educated" by Tara Westover:
• "Bossypants" by Tina Fey:

Key Points to Remember:

Learn about the genre:, think about your objective:, recall your memory:, key characteristics and profound details, conclusion:.

Writing has always felt personal; neither the writer nor the reader gets to see what’s happening in the writer’s mind. This is especially true when writing an account. You’ll not only get into the details of your thoughts, but you’ll also give yourself feedback on your life as you write it down.

An autobiography is a genre of literature where an author writes about their own life story. It is a form of non-fiction where the writer shares personal experiences, memories, and feelings in their own words.

That does sound a little awkward, doesn’t it? Still, this type of non-fiction has one of the greatest audiences. Also, no matter how hard it is for you to write your story, it will inspire other people as soon as it gets to them.

People often think that only someone who has had a successful job and is well-known for it should write a biography or, more specifically, an autobiography. This is not at all true. Yes, that person might be very good at inspiring their readers and friends, but anyone can do it.

That’s right—what inspires you is how you tell your life story, not always how popular it is. Whether famous or not, everyone faces challenges and finds ways to overcome them. That’s the heart of every interesting beginning.

The word “autobiography” is derived from the Greek words “autos,” meaning self, and “bios,” meaning life.

The author reflects on various aspects of their life journey, including significant events, relationships, challenges, achievements, and personal growth.

Autobiographies are typically written in the first person, using the author’s perspective and voice. They offer readers a unique opportunity to gain insights into the author’s personality, motivations, and lived context.

It can cover many themes, such as family, career, education, love, and societal influences. Authors often share intimate details of their lives, making the genre a powerful means of self-expression and self-reflection.

The structure of an autobiography can vary, but it generally follows a chronological order, starting with the author’s early life and progressing through key life events. Some autobiographies may also employ a thematic approach, organizing the narrative around specific topics or periods in the author’s life.

The purpose is to provide an intimate and authentic account of the author’s life, offering insights into their thoughts, perspectives, and inner journeys. Autobiographies allow readers to gain a better understanding of the author’s experiences and can provide inspiration or lessons for others.

Autobiographies often cover a person’s life or a specific period. They can dive into various aspects such as childhood, relationships, careers, struggles, achievements, and personal growth.

The content largely depends on the author’s choice and intention in writing the book. Some authors might choose expert autobiography writing services to highlight their accomplishments or discuss their personal life experiences and how they overcame various obstacles. Others might like to write it on their own.

Autobiographies are essential to literature and offer a unique perspective on a person’s life. They can be used as a source of inspiration or a lesson for others. It is also significant for documenting a person’s life or era, which can be useful for historians or journalists.

Here are some famous examples compiled by  Book Writing Founders  to help understand

“The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank:

This powerful and poignant is a firsthand account written by Anne Frank during her time in hiding from the Nazis during World War II.

“Long Walk to Freedom” by Nelson Mandela:

Nelson Mandela’s autobiography chronicles his extraordinary life, from his childhood in rural South Africa to his years as an anti-apartheid activist and his eventual presidency.

“The Story of My Experiments with Truth” by Mahatma Gandhi:

This explores his life, philosophy, and struggles during India’s struggle for independence.

“Angela’s Ashes” by Frank McCourt:

Frank McCourt’s memoir tells the story of his difficult childhood growing up in poverty in Ireland and his journey to overcome adversity.

“Educated” by Tara Westover:

Tara Westover’s memoir recounts her unconventional upbringing in a strict and isolated Mormon household and her quest for education, ultimately leading to her earning a PhD from Cambridge University.

“Bossypants” by Tina Fey:

Tina Fey’s humorous writing style provides a behind-the-scenes look into her life, from her early days in comedy to her success as a writer, actress, and producer.

After you’ve thought about why you want to write your story, the only thing left to do is start writing. It’s time to write your story.

You can get a feel for how memoirs are written by reading them. The memoirs of Benjamin Franklin, Katharine Hepburn, Maya Angelou, Nelson Mandela, and Billy Graham are some of the most well-known.

Pick an inspirational person or group of people (like a famous person, a sports icon, a historical figure, etc.) and read a few examples of them. This will help you pick the best genre trends and style for your story.

Knowing who will read your book will help you organize and tell your story. People in your family will already know many of the places and people you write about, so you don’t need to go into as much detail when writing for them as when writing for everyone else.

Also, sharing your thoughts and specifics about events can help family members see things from a different angle and even help settle disagreements and conflicts within the family.

Here are some ideas to help you remember:

• Look at pictures of your family.
• Talk to your family, friends from school, parents, and grandparents.
• Read through letters, notebooks, notes, and emails.

It might also help to think about certain times or events from your past to help you remember, such as:

• Days in preschool
• Years of elementary school and high school
• High school or college
• Events of note
• Love life, dating, and getting married
• Years of retirement
• Your family tree
• Friends and family
• Away trips, places you’ve lived, and your favorite foods and recipes
• Holiday customs
• Achievements and awards won

As you start to remember the important parts of your life, you might be surprised to find that the events and people you remember all have something in common. A good autobiography has a main idea that runs through the story of the author’s life. If you want to write about your life, consider how to keep this idea going as you write.

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• Literary Terms
• Autobiography
• Definition & Examples
• When & How to Write Autobiography

I. What is Autobiography?

An autobiography is a self-written life story.

It is different from a  biography , which is the life story of a person written by someone else. Some people may have their life story written by another person because they don’t believe they can write well, but they are still considered an author because they are providing the information. Reading autobiographies may be more interesting than biographies because you are reading the thoughts of the person instead of someone else’s interpretation.

II. Examples of Autobiography

One of the United States’ forefathers wrote prolifically (that means a lot!) about news, life, and common sense. His readings, quotes, and advice are still used today, and his face is on the $100 bill. Benjamin Franklin’s good advice is still used through his sayings, such as “We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid.” He’s also the one who penned the saying that’s seen all over many schools: “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” His autobiography is full of his adventures , philosophy about life, and his wisdom. His autobiography shows us how much he valued education through his anecdotes (stories) of his constant attempts to learn and improve himself. He also covers his many ideas on his inventions and his thoughts as he worked with others in helping the United States become free from England.

III. Types of Autobiography

There are many types of autobiographies. Authors must decide what purpose they have for writing about their lives, and then they can choose the format that would best tell their story. Most of these types all share common goals: helping themselves face an issue by writing it down, helping others overcome similar events, or simply telling their story.

a. Full autobiography (traditional):

This would be the complete life story, starting from birth through childhood, young adulthood, and up to the present time at which the book is being written. Authors might choose this if their whole lives were very different from others and could be considered interesting.

There are many types of memoirs – place, time, philosophic (their theory on life), occupational, etc. A memoir is a snapshot of a person’s life. It focuses on one specific part that stands out as a learning experience or worth sharing.

c. Psychological illness

People who have suffered mental illness of any kind find it therapeutic to write down their thoughts. Therapists are specialists who listen to people’s problems and help them feel better, but many people find writing down their story is also helpful.

d. Confession

Just as people share a psychological illness, people who have done something very wrong may find it helps to write down and share their story. Sharing the story may make one feel he or she is making amends (making things right), or perhaps hopes that others will learn and avoid the same mistake.

e. Spiritual

Spiritual and religious experiences are very personal . However, many people feel that it’s their duty and honor to share these stories. They may hope to pull others into their beliefs or simply improve others’ lives.

f. Overcoming adversity

Unfortunately, many people do not have happy, shining lives. Terrible events such as robberies, assaults, kidnappings, murders, horrific accidents, and life-threatening illnesses are common in some lives. Sharing the story can inspire others while also helping the person express deep emotions to heal.

IV. The Importance of Autobiography

Autobiographies are an important part of history. Being able to read the person’s own ideas and life stories is getting the first-person story versus the third-person (he-said/she-said) version. In journalism, reporters go to the source to get an accurate account of an event. The same is true when it comes to life stories. Reading the story from a second or third source will not be as reliable. The writer may be incorrectly explaining and describing the person’s life events.

Autobiographies are also important because they allow other people in similar circumstances realize that they are not alone. They can be inspiring for those who are facing problems in their lives. For the author, writing the autobiography allows them to heal as they express their feelings and opinions. Autobiographies are also an important part of history.

V. Examples of Autobiography in Literature

A popular autobiography that has lasted almost 100 years is that of Helen Keller. Her life story has been made into numerous movies and plays. Her teacher, Anne Sullivan, has also had her life story written and televised multiple times. Students today still read and learn about this young girl who went blind and deaf at 19 months of age, causing her to also lose her ability to learn to speak. Sullivan’s entrance into Helen’s life when the girl was seven was the turning point. She learned braille and soon became an activist for helping blind and deaf people across the nation. She died in 1968, but her autobiography is still helping others.

Even in the days before my teacher came, I used to feel along the square stiff boxwood hedges, and, guided by the sense of smell, would find the first violets and lilies. There, too, after a fit of temper, I went to find comfort and to hide my hot face in the cool leaves and grass. What joy it was to lose myself in that garden of flowers, to wander happily from spot to spot, until, coming suddenly upon a beautiful vine, I recognized it by its leaves and blossoms, and knew it was the vine which covered the tumble-down summer-house at the farther end of the garden! (Keller).

An autobiography that many middle and high school students read every year is “Night” by Elie Wiesel. His story is also a memoir, covering his teen years as he and his family went from the comfort of their own home to being forced into a Jewish ghetto with other families, before ending up in a Nazi prison camp. His book is not that long, but the details and description he uses brings to life the horrors of Hitler’s reign of terror in Germany during World War II. Students also read “The Diary of Anne Frank,” another type of autobiography that shows a young Jewish girl’s daily life while hiding from the Nazis to her eventual capture and death in a German camp. Both books are meant to remind us to not be indifferent to the world’s suffering and to not allow hate to take over.

“The people were saying, “The Red Army is advancing with giant strides…Hitler will not be able to harm us, even if he wants to…” Yes, we even doubted his resolve to exterminate us. Annihilate an entire people? Wipe out a population dispersed throughout so many nations? So many millions of people! By what means? In the middle of the twentieth century! And thus my elders concerned themselves with all manner of things—strategy, diplomacy, politics, and Zionism—but not with their own fate. Even Moishe the Beadle had fallen silent. He was weary of talking. He would drift through synagogue or through the streets, hunched over, eyes cast down, avoiding people’s gaze. In those days it was still possible to buy emigration certificates to Palestine. I had asked my father to sell everything, to liquidate everything, and to leave” (Wiesel 8).  

VI. Examples of Autobiography in Pop Culture

One example of an autobiography that was a hit in the movie theaters is “American Sniper,” the story of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle. According to an article in the Dallas, Texas, magazine D, Kyle donated all the proceeds from the film to veterans and their families. He had a story to tell, and he used it to help others. His story is a memoir, focusing on a specific time period of his life when he was overseas in the military.

An autobiography by a young Olympian is “Grace, Gold and Glory: My Leap of Faith” by Gabrielle (Gabby) Douglas. She had a writer, Michelle Burford, help her in writing her autobiography. This is common for those who have a story to tell but may not have the words to express it well. Gabby was the darling of the 2012 Olympics, winning gold medals for the U.S. in gymnastics along with being the All-Around Gold Medal winner, the first African-American to do so. Many young athletes see her as an inspiration. Her story also became a television movie, “The Gabby Douglas Story.”

VII. Related Terms

The life story of one person written by another. The purpose may to be highlight an event or person in a way to help the public learn a lesson, feel inspired, or to realize that they are not alone in their circumstance. Biographies are also a way to share history. Historic and famous people may have their biographies written by many authors who research their lives years after they have died.

VIII. Conclusion

Autobiographies are a way for people to share stories that may educate, inform, persuade, or inspire others. Many people find writing their stories to be therapeutic, healing them beyond what any counseling might do or as a part of the counseling. Autobiographies are also a way to keep history alive by allowing people in the present learn about those who lived in the past. In the future, people can learn a lot about our present culture by reading autobiographies by people of today.

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(page 1) p. 1 Introduction

• Published: July 2018
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Autobiography continues to be one of the most popular forms of writing, produced by authors from across the social and professional spectrum. It is also central to the work of literary critics, philosophers, historians, and psychologists, who have found in autobiographies not only an understanding of the ways in which lives have been lived, but the most fundamental accounts of what it means to be a self in the world. The Introduction describes what autobiography means and compares it to other forms of ‘life-writing’. Autobiographical writing is seen to act as a window on to concepts of self, identity, and subjectivity, and into the ways in which these are themselves determined by time and circumstance.

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What Is an Autobiography? Definition & 50+ Examples

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in the lives of your favorite icons? Autobiographies offer us an intimate glimpse into the minds and hearts of those who’ve walked extraordinary paths.

These firsthand accounts of personal triumphs, challenges, and wisdom acquired along the way, illuminate the human experience in a profound and often surprising manner.

Join us as we journey through the pages of these literary treasures, unearthing the secrets that make them so compelling.

Table of Contents

Definition of Autobiography

An autobiography is a type of non-fiction writing that provides a firsthand account of a person’s life. The author recounts their own experiences, thoughts, emotions, and insights, often focusing on how these events have shaped their life. Typically structured around a chronological narrative, an autobiography provides a window into the author’s world

While autobiographies may be written for various reasons, including preserving personal history or sharing an inspiring story with others, they all aim to provide a genuine account of the author’s life.

Autobiographies can include stories of personal growth, challenges overcome, successes achieved, and important relationships. They often cover topics such as childhood, family life, education, career, personal struggles, and life-changing experiences.

It can portray both ordinary and extraordinary lives, allowing readers to connect with the author’s experiences and gain insights into their personal journeys.

Historical Overview

Autobiographies have a rich history, stemming from ancient times to the present day.

Early Examples

One of the earliest known examples of an autobiography is Augustine of Hippo’s “Confessions,” written in the 4th century AD. This seminal work is not only an important milestone in the development of the genre but also a deeply introspective and spiritual account of Augustine’s life and faith.

Born in 354 AD in Thagaste, Roman North Africa (modern-day Algeria), Augustine of Hippo was a Christian theologian and philosopher who became one of the most influential figures in the development of Western Christianity.

His “Confessions” were written between 397 and 400 AD, primarily as a testimony of his own personal conversion and growth in faith. The work is considered to be both a literary masterpiece and a foundational text in Christian theology.

Divided into thirteen books, the “Confessions” follows Augustine’s life chronologically, beginning with his childhood and progressing through his adolescence, early adulthood, and eventual conversion to Christianity.

The “Confessions” has been widely regarded as a groundbreaking work that laid the foundation for the autobiographical genre in Western literature. Its introspective and self-reflective style has influenced countless authors over the centuries, including Jean-Jacques Rousseau, John Henry Newman, and Thomas Merton.

Development Through the Centuries

By the early modern period, autobiographies became more widespread, with some of the best-known examples including:

• Saint Teresa of Avila’s “The Life of Saint Teresa of Avila by Herself” chronicling the 15th-century Spanish mystic and Carmelite nun’s spiritual relationship with God.
• “The True Travels, Adventures, and Observations of Captain John Smith” of John Smith in 16th-century, which recounts his experiences in the early days of the Virginia Colony and his encounters with Native Americans.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the genre continued to develop, with unique works such as:

• Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s “Confessions”
• Mary Wollstonecraft’s “Letters Written During a Short Residence in Sweden “
• Frederick Douglass’ “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave”

These important texts highlighted personal experiences, struggles, and social issues, shaping the autobiographical genre into what we recognize today.

In the 20th and 21st centuries, autobiographies span a wide range of themes and voices, including globally renowned works such as:

• Anne Frank’s “The Diary of a Young Girl”
• Nelson Mandela’s “Long Walk to Freedom”

These works demonstrate how the genre has evolved to encompass diverse perspectives and life experiences.

Elements of an Autobiography

An autobiography contains several key elements that help readers understand the life story of the author.

Chronological Order

Chronological order is a common structure used in autobiographies as it allows readers to follow the author’s life events in a linear sequence. This format provides a clear and organized presentation of the author’s experiences and life stages, making it easier for the reader to follow and understand.

One of the primary benefits of using a chronological structure in an autobiography is that it mirrors the natural progression of a person’s life.

As readers move through the narrative, they can witness the author’s growth, the various influences that shaped them, and the crucial turning points that led to significant changes in their lives. This progression allows for a comprehensive understanding of the author’s personal journey and evolution.

Moreover, a chronological order in autobiographies can help to contextualize the author’s experiences within broader historical and cultural events.

By situating their lives within a specific time frame, authors can provide readers with a deeper understanding of the social, political, and cultural forces that influenced their experiences and decisions. This context helps to illuminate the unique circumstances and challenges faced by the author, as well as the ways in which their lives intersected with larger societal trends and issues.

First-Person Perspective

Autobiographies are written in first-person perspective, using “I” statements, as a means of conveying the author’s personal journey through their own eyes. This technique allows the author to provide personal insights, emotions, and opinions, creating a stronger connection between the reader and the author’s personal experiences.

One of the primary benefits of the first-person perspective in autobiographies is the immediacy it lends to the narrative. When authors share their experiences and emotions directly, they draw readers into their world, allowing them to experience events as the author did. This immersive quality can evoke empathy, curiosity, and a sense of connection between the reader and the author.

Furthermore, the use of “I” statements in autobiographies facilitates an authentic portrayal of the author’s voice and personality.

As readers encounter the author’s unique perspective, they gain insight into the author’s individual character, including their values, beliefs, and aspirations. This authenticity can help to establish credibility and trust, as readers come to understand the author’s experiences on a more personal level.

The first-person perspective in autobiographies also enables authors to reflect on their experiences and draw connections between past events and their present understanding.

Self-Reflection

A key aspect of autobiographies is self-reflection, which involves the author’s analysis of their experiences and growth throughout their life. This self-examination can reveal profound insights and lessons learned, offering value and inspiration to readers.

Self-reflection in autobiographies allows authors to delve deeper into their personal experiences and emotions, exploring the impact of those events on their character and worldview.

By examining their past actions, decisions, and relationships, authors can uncover patterns and recurring themes, shedding light on the factors that have shaped their identity and personal growth. This introspective process adds depth and nuance to the narrative, making it more relatable and engaging for readers.

Self-reflection can also contribute to the development of broader themes and life lessons within an autobiography. As authors analyze their experiences and the consequences of their choices, they often identify universal truths or insights that can resonate with readers from diverse backgrounds.

These themes may include the importance of perseverance , the value of self-discovery, or the transformative power of forgiveness, among others. By sharing these lessons, authors can offer readers valuable wisdom and guidance for their own lives.

Intimate Details

Intimate details are important in an autobiography, as they shed light on the author’s personality and emotions. These personal aspects of an individual’s life can provide readers with a deeper understanding and empathy towards the author’s journey.

By sharing the intricacies of their daily lives, relationships, and innermost thoughts, authors can create a more vivid and relatable portrayal of their experiences, allowing readers to connect with their story on a more personal level.

One reason intimate details are significant in an autobiography is that they humanize the author. By providing glimpses into their private lives, authors reveal their vulnerabilities, fears, desires, and joys.

This openness can help break down barriers between the author and the reader, fostering a sense of connection and empathy. As readers recognize shared emotions and experiences, they are more likely to develop a deeper understanding of the author’s life and perspective.

Types of Autobiographies

Traditional autobiographies.

Traditional autobiographies aim to provide an in-depth and personal view of the author’s life experiences, emotions, and thoughts. They are often structured in a chronological order, starting from the author’s childhood and progressing through various stages of their life, ultimately reaching the present day.

The author usually shares anecdotes, lessons learned, and personal growth experiences, which can inspire and educate readers.

Examples of traditional autobiographies:

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin (1791)

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is a classic piece of American literature written by one of the founding fathers of the United States, Benjamin Franklin.

It was composed in four distinct parts over a period of nearly two decades, beginning in 1771 and ending in 1790, shortly before Franklin’s death. The autobiography provides a unique insight into the life, character, and values of one of the most influential figures in American history.

The autobiography is divided into four parts, each with its own focus and purpose:

• Part One This section, written in 1771, covers Franklin’s early life, from his birth in 1706 to his early career as a printer in Philadelphia. He details his family background, childhood, and early experiences in the printing trade. He also includes some of his initial forays into writing and his early experiments with electricity.
• Part Two Written in 1784, this section focuses on Franklin’s famous list of thirteen virtues, which he devised as a means of achieving moral perfection. These virtues are temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity, and humility. Franklin also discusses the Junto, a mutual improvement society he founded, and his efforts to establish public services and institutions in Philadelphia, such as the first public library and the American Philosophical Society.
• Part Three Penned in 1788, this part of the autobiography provides an account of Franklin’s role in the founding of the United States. It covers his involvement in the drafting of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, his diplomatic missions to France during the Revolutionary War, and his eventual return to America.
• Part Four In this brief, final section, written in 1790, Franklin reflects on his life and the writing of his autobiography. He expresses his hope that his story will inspire others and serve as a useful guide to future generations.

Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela (1994)

“Long Walk to Freedom” is an autobiography written by Nelson Mandela, a prominent anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and philanthropist who served as the first black president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. The book was published in 1994, the same year Mandela was elected president.

The autobiography chronicles Mandela’s life from his early childhood in a small rural village in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, through his education and political awakening, to his 27 years in prison, and ultimately to his release and the establishment of a new democratic South Africa.

The book provides a detailed account of Mandela’s early life, including his family background and his experiences growing up in a traditional African setting.

It also delves into his education and professional life, during which he became increasingly involved in politics and the struggle against apartheid, a racially discriminatory system that segregated and oppressed the non-white population of South Africa.

Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah (2016)

“Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood” is an autobiographical comedy book written by Trevor Noah, a South African comedian and the host of The Daily Show, an American satirical news program.

The book, published in 2016, shares Noah’s life story growing up during the last years of apartheid and the turbulent times that followed as South Africa transitioned into a post-apartheid society.

The title “Born a Crime” refers to Noah’s own birth, as he was born to a black South African mother and a white Swiss father. At the time, his parents’ interracial relationship was considered illegal under the apartheid-era racial classification system, making Noah’s very existence a crime.

The book is a collection of 18 personal essays that delve into various aspects of Noah’s life. It explores his childhood experiences, such as growing up in Soweto, a South African township, learning to navigate the complexities of racial identity, and the challenges he faced due to his mixed heritage.

It also delves into Noah’s relationship with his strong-willed, fiercely independent mother, Patricia Nombuyiselo Noah, who played a pivotal role in shaping his life.

A memoir is a sub-type of autobiography that focuses on a specific aspect or period of a person’s life. It is usually more introspective and character-driven than traditional autobiographies, allowing authors to explore their experiences, emotions, and relationships in greater depth.

Memoirs often emphasize personal growth, self-discovery, and the lessons learned from the author’s unique experiences. Some examples of well-known memoirs include:

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls (2005)

In “The Glass Castle,” Jeannette Walls recounts her extraordinary and often chaotic upbringing as the second oldest of four children in a highly unconventional family. Her parents, Rex and Rose Mary Walls, were unapologetically free-spirited, opting for a nomadic lifestyle that frequently left the family in poverty and uncertainty.

The memoir is an honest and poignant exploration of the impact of such a lifestyle on the family, touching on the importance of self-reliance, love, and forgiveness.

As they moved from town to town across America, the Walls family faced a plethora of challenges, including homelessness, hunger, and a lack of stability.

Throughout the memoir, Jeannette and her siblings develop an incredible resilience, learning to navigate their unpredictable world with resourcefulness and tenacity. They scavenge for food, devise ways to make money, and adapt to their ever-changing circumstances.

As the children grow older, they begin to question their parents’ choices and recognize the dysfunction within their family. Ultimately, they find the strength to break free and forge their paths in life.

Wild by Cheryl Strayed (2012)

In “Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail,” Cheryl Strayed takes readers on a breathtaking and emotional journey as she embarks on a solo hike across the rugged Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).

Span miles from the Mojave Desert in California to the Bridge of the Gods on the border of Oregon and Washington, Strayed’s trek was a quest for healing and redemption following the death of her mother and the subsequent collapse of her marriage.

Throughout the memoir, Strayed shares her raw, honest reflections on the pain and grief she experienced, as well as the life choices that led her to the PCT. With each step on the trail, she grapples with the harsh realities of her past and the emotional baggage she carries with her.

As Strayed confronts the physical challenges of the trail, such as blistered feet, grueling climbs, and encounters with wildlife, she also faces an emotional and spiritual transformation that ultimately leads to profound self-discovery and growth.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou (1969)

In “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” Maya Angelou shares the powerful story of her childhood and adolescence, growing up in the racially segregated South during the 1930s and 1940s.

The narrative follows young Maya and her brother, Bailey, as they navigate life in Stamps, Arkansas, raised by their strong-willed and loving grandmother, Momma, and their disabled Uncle Willie.

Throughout the memoir, Angelou confronts the harsh realities of racial prejudice and the limitations imposed on her and her community due to their skin color. Her experiences with discrimination, sexual assault, and the subsequent muteness that resulted from her trauma shed light on the challenges faced by Black individuals in a deeply divided society.

As Angelou grows older, she begins to question the injustices around her and develops a deep appreciation for literature and language. Through reading works by Black authors and immersing herself in the world of poetry, she gradually finds her voice and the strength to overcome her past traumas.

Angelou’s love for the written word not only empowers her but also sparks her passion for activism and the fight for civil rights.

I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy (2022)

“I’m Glad My Mom Died” is an autobiography written by Jennette McCurdy, published in 2022. The book offers a candid and honest account of the life and experiences of the former Nickelodeon star, who is best known for her roles in popular TV shows like “iCarly” and “Sam & Cat.”

In the autobiography, McCurdy delves into her tumultuous relationship with her mother, Debra, who passed away in 2013 after battling cancer. The title of the book, while provocative, reflects the complicated emotions that McCurdy experienced throughout her life, as her mother’s death ultimately allowed her to break free from the control and manipulation she had experienced growing up.

Throughout the book, McCurdy explores her upbringing and the ways in which her mother’s controlling nature impacted her mental health, self-esteem, and overall well-being. She shares her struggles with anorexia, which she developed at a young age as a result of her mother’s fixation on her appearance and weight.

Additionally, McCurdy delves into her experiences as a child actor and the immense pressure she faced to succeed in the entertainment industry.

Educated by Tara Westover (2018)

In “Educated: A Memoir,” Tara Westover recounts her harrowing and inspiring journey from a life of isolation and abuse in rural Idaho to the halls of Cambridge University, where she ultimately earned a Ph.D. Born to a strict and domineering father with a mistrust of formal education and government institutions, Westover grew up in a household where schooling was forbidden and paranoia reigned.

Despite these seemingly insurmountable obstacles, she embarked on a courageous path to self-education and personal liberation.

The memoir provides a vivid portrayal of Westover’s childhood, marked by dangerous work in her family’s junkyard, physical and emotional abuse from her father and brother, and a near-total absence of formal education.

With unwavering determination, she taught herself enough mathematics, grammar, and science to gain admission to Brigham Young University. Her pursuit of education exposed her to a world far beyond the confines of her family’s mountain home, leading her to question the beliefs and values she had been raised with.

Westover’s journey took her from Brigham Young University to Harvard and finally to Cambridge, where she earned a Ph.D. in history. Along the way, she faced the challenges of adjusting to unfamiliar social norms, reconciling her past with her newfound knowledge, and navigating the emotional turmoil of gradually breaking away from her family.

Psychological Illness

Autobiographies dealing with psychological illness delve into the challenges faced by individuals suffering from mental health disorders. These accounts offer a unique perspective on the daily struggles and triumphs of people dealing with such conditions, providing readers with valuable insights into the realities of living with mental illness.

By sharing their personal experiences, authors help to destigmatize mental health issues, raise awareness, and promote empathy and understanding. Some examples of autobiographies that focus on psychological illness include:

An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness by Kay Redfield Jamison

An Unquiet Mind is a deeply personal and powerful memoir by Kay Redfield Jamison, who is not only a renowned clinical psychologist specializing in mood disorders, but also someone who has personally experienced the tumultuous journey of living with bipolar disorder.

Through her candid narrative, Jamison provides a rare, first-hand account of the struggles, triumphs, and complexities of this mental illness.

Jamison shares her story from the early onset of her symptoms in adolescence to her eventual diagnosis and the long road to finding an effective treatment. As a medical professional, she offers a unique perspective on the disorder, blending her clinical knowledge with her own intimate experiences.

Readers are given an inside look at the emotional rollercoaster of mania and depression, as well as the challenges faced in her personal relationships and professional life.

Jamison’s memoir also delves into the stigma surrounding mental illness, and the difficulties she faced in accepting her diagnosis and seeking help. By openly discussing her struggles, she aims to foster understanding and empathy for those who are affected by bipolar disorder, as well as their friends, families, and healthcare providers.

Darkness Visible: A Memoir of Madness by William Styron (1989)

Darkness Visible is a powerful and deeply personal memoir by Pulitzer Prize-winning author William Styron, who chronicles his harrowing descent into the depths of clinical depression and his subsequent near-fatal suicide attempt.

Through this unflinching narrative, Styron sheds light on the often misunderstood and underestimated nature of depression, providing readers with an intimate understanding of the devastating effects it can have on an individual’s life.

In this poignant and raw account, Styron vividly details the insidious onset of his depression, the growing sense of despair and hopelessness that enveloped him, and his struggle to make sense of what was happening to him.

He also explores the various factors that may have contributed to his illness, including the loss of his mother, the stress of his literary career, and the side effects of medications he was taking.

Styron’s memoir serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking help and support when grappling with mental illness. He recounts his journey through the mental health care system, his encounters with various professionals, and the eventual intervention of friends that ultimately saved his life.

The Center Cannot Hold: My Journey Through Madness by Elyn R. Saks (2007)

“The Center Cannot Hold: My Journey Through Madness” is a memoir written by Elyn R. Saks, a prominent legal scholar, professor, and mental health advocate. Published in 2007, the book offers an insightful and candid account of Saks’ life as she navigates her struggles with schizophrenia, a chronic and severe mental disorder characterized by disordered thoughts, hallucinations, and delusions.

The title of the memoir is inspired by the poem “The Second Coming” by W.B. Yeats, which contains the line “Things fall apart; the center cannot hold.” This line reflects Saks’ experience with her illness, as it often felt like her life was falling apart and her sense of self was slipping away.

Throughout the book, Saks shares her journey from the onset of her symptoms during her teenage years, to her time at Oxford University and Yale Law School, and her eventual career as a law professor at the University of Southern California.

She provides a firsthand account of her struggles with psychosis, hospitalizations, and the impact of her illness on her relationships, career, and sense of self.

It has been widely praised for its honest portrayal of schizophrenia and for helping to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. The book offers a unique perspective into the mind of someone living with schizophrenia, and serves as a source of inspiration and hope for those who face similar challenges.

Confessional autobiographies are a form of literature where authors intimately share their personal experiences, including their mistakes, transgressions, and the consequences they faced as a result.

This type of writing often serves as a means for the author to achieve self-reflection, growth, and a sense of redemption. At the same time, it allows readers to empathize with the author’s journey and gain insights into the human condition.

Confessional autobiographies can be raw, honest, and sometimes shocking, but they often resonate deeply with readers due to their authenticity.

Examples of confessional autobiographies include:

The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X and Alex Haley (1965)

The Autobiography of Malcolm X is a 1965 autobiography that recounts the life of Malcolm X, a prominent African American leader, human rights activist, and one of the most influential figures in the Civil Rights Movement in the United States.

The book was co-authored by journalist and writer Alex Haley, who conducted a series of interviews with Malcolm X over a two-year period before his assassination in 1965.

The book provides a detailed account of Malcolm X’s life, including his early years, criminal past, conversion to Islam, and rise as a prominent leader within the Nation of Islam. It chronicles his evolving political and philosophical beliefs, his eventual disillusionment with the Nation of Islam, and his conversion to Sunni Islam after a transformative pilgrimage to Mecca.

The autobiography also delves into Malcolm X’s international travels, encounters with various world leaders, and his efforts to build a global human rights movement.

The Autobiography of Malcolm X is an important work for several reasons:

• It provides a unique and personal insight into the life and thoughts of a highly influential figure in American history.
• It serves as a powerful account of the racial and social injustices faced by African Americans during the mid-20th century.
• It explores themes of personal transformation, redemption, and the power of education to change one’s life.

The book has been highly regarded since its publication, and it has had a significant impact on the understanding of Malcolm X’s life and work, as well as on the broader Civil Rights Movement.

A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers (2000)

“A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius” is a memoir by American author Dave Eggers, published in 2000. The book is a blend of autobiography, fiction, and metafiction, recounting Eggers’ experiences after the death of both his parents from cancer within a span of five weeks.

In the wake of their deaths, the then-21-year-old Eggers is left to care for his 8-year-old brother, Toph. The memoir follows their journey together as they navigate grief, responsibility, and the challenges of creating a new life.

The narrative is characterized by Eggers’ innovative and unconventional writing style. He employs self-awareness, humor, and irony to explore themes of loss, family, and the search for identity. The book’s metafictional elements often break the fourth wall, as Eggers directly addresses the reader and critiques his own writing.

Spiritual Autobiographies

Spiritual autobiographies are unique in that they delve deeply into an individual’s spiritual life, exploring their encounters with the divine, struggles with doubt, and moments of profound insight. They often document the author’s transformative experiences and the lessons they’ve learned as they grow spiritually.

Here are two examples of spiritual autobiographies, each of which illustrates a different aspect of spiritual growth:

The Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton (1948)

“The Seven Storey Mountain” is an autobiography written by Thomas Merton, published in 1948. The book chronicles Merton’s life, spiritual journey, and eventual conversion to Roman Catholicism and entrance into the Trappist monastic order at the Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani in Kentucky.

The title is inspired by “The Dark Night of the Soul,” a poem by 16th-century Spanish mystic St. John of the Cross, which uses the metaphor of a seven storey mountain to describe the soul’s ascent to union with God.

In the book, Merton recounts his early life, including his childhood and education in France, England, and the United States, as well as the deaths of both of his parents. He details his search for meaning and purpose, which initially led him to a hedonistic lifestyle and pursuit of worldly pleasures.

Merton’s life took a turn when he started studying at Columbia University, where he encountered influential figures, such as the Catholic writer and professor Dan Walsh, who introduced him to the works of prominent Catholic thinkers and mystics.

As Merton delved deeper into Catholicism, he experienced a profound spiritual awakening and felt a strong calling to the monastic life. He eventually entered the Abbey of Gethsemani, where he found peace and a sense of belonging.

The Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda (1946)

“The Autobiography of a Yogi” is a spiritual classic written by Paramahansa Yogananda, an Indian yogi and guru who introduced millions of Westerners to the teachings of meditation and Kriya Yoga through his book.

First published in 1946, the autobiography is an account of Yogananda’s life, his search for enlightenment, and his encounters with various saints and spiritual masters in India and beyond.

The book begins with Yogananda’s childhood in India, where he was born in 1893 as Mukunda Lal Ghosh. Early in life, he was drawn to spirituality and had mystical experiences that fueled his quest for spiritual truth.

As he grew older, he met his guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri, who guided him in the practice of Kriya Yoga—a sacred meditation technique that accelerates spiritual growth by cleansing the body and mind of negative energy.

In the book, Yogananda recounts the teachings and wisdom he received from various spiritual figures such as his guru, Sri Yukteswar; the saintly Mahavatar Babaji, who is said to have revived Kriya Yoga; and Lahiri Mahasaya, who was a direct disciple of Babaji.

Yogananda also shares stories of other saints and spiritually advanced individuals he encountered, both in India and during his travels to the West.

Overcoming Adversities

Autobiographies centered around overcoming adversities provide readers with inspirational and motivational stories of individuals who have faced significant challenges in their lives. These memoirs often emphasize the themes of resilience, personal growth, and transformation as the authors share their personal journeys of overcoming various obstacles.

A Man Named Dave by Dave Pelzer (1999)

“A Man Named Dave: A Story of Triumph and Forgiveness” is a memoir written by Dave Pelzer, published in 1999. It is the third and final installment in his autobiographical trilogy, following “A Child Called ‘It'” (1995) and “The Lost Boy” (1997).

The series chronicles the author’s journey through a horrifically abusive childhood, his time in foster care, and ultimately his path to healing, redemption, and forgiveness.

“A Man Named Dave” picks up where “The Lost Boy” leaves off, as Dave Pelzer enters adulthood. The memoir details his life in the U.S. Air Force, his search for love, his struggles with trust and relationship issues, and his efforts to break the cycle of abuse that plagued his upbringing.

The book also delves into Dave’s attempts to reconcile with his abusive mother and the importance of forgiveness in the healing process.

Throughout the memoir, Dave shares his experiences and insights, highlighting the power of resilience, perseverance, and self-discovery. The book serves as an inspiration for those who have faced adversity and a reminder that forgiveness and personal growth are essential for healing from trauma.

The Pursuit of Happyness by Chris Gardner

“The Pursuit of Happyness” is a memoir written by Chris Gardner, published in 2006. The book tells the inspiring story of Gardner’s journey from homelessness and severe financial struggles to becoming a successful stockbroker and entrepreneur.

The memoir highlights the importance of determination, resilience, and the pursuit of happiness amidst life’s adversities.

In the book, Chris Gardner recounts his difficult childhood, marked by poverty, domestic violence, and sexual abuse. As an adult, Gardner finds himself struggling to provide for his son as a single father while also dealing with homelessness. Despite these challenges, he refuses to give up and remains determined to secure a better life for himself and his son.

Gardner’s journey takes a turn for the better when he secures an unpaid internship at the brokerage firm Dean Witter Reynolds. He faces numerous obstacles, including balancing his demanding work with caring for his son, finding shelter, and meeting their basic needs.

However, his hard work and perseverance eventually pay off, as he becomes a full-time employee and later starts his own brokerage firm, Gardner Rich & Co.

The book was adapted into a critically acclaimed film of the same name in 2006, starring Will Smith as Chris Gardner and Jaden Smith as his son. The film brought widespread attention to Gardner’s story, inspiring and motivating many people around the world.

Famous Examples

The world of autobiographies offers a plethora of captivating stories from various walks of life. In this section, we explore famous examples from historical figures, political figures, literary figures, and celebrities.

Historical Figures

Autobiographies of historical figures provide a glimpse into their personal lives and the events that shaped their legacies. Some standout examples include:

• The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass
• The Story of My Life by Helen Keller
• My Experiments with Truth by Mahatma Gandhi
• Up From Slavery by Booker T. Washington
• My Life by Golda Meir

Political Figures

Politicians often share their experiences, challenges, and accomplishments through autobiographies, offering a look into their minds and ideologies. Noteworthy examples are:

• The Downing Street Years by Margaret Thatcher
• The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream by Barack Obama
• Hard Choices by Hillary Rodham Clinton
• My Life by Bill Clinton
• The Courage to Act: A Memoir of a Crisis and Its Aftermath by Ben S. Bernanke

Literary Figures

As masters of words, literary figures have created autobiographies filled with compelling insights and vivid details. Some distinguished examples include:

• The Confessions of Jean-Jacques Rousseau by Jean-Jacques Rousseau
• Surprised by Joy by C.S. Lewis
• Black Boy by Richard Wright
• Speak, Memory by Vladimir Nabokov
• The Autobiography of Mark Twain by Mark Twain (Samuel Langhorne Clemens)
• A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway
• Out of Africa by Isak Dinesen (Karen Blixen)
• Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body by Roxane Gay

Celebrities

Autobiographies of celebrities offer a unique perspective on fame, art, and the weight of societal expectations. Some popular examples are:

• Bossypants by Tina Fey
• Open by Andre Agassi
• Yes Please by Amy Poehler
• My Life So Far by Jane Fonda
• Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling
• The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish
• The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher
• Scar Tissue by Anthony Kiedis and Larry Sloman
• Paddle Your Own Canoe: One Man’s Fundamentals for Delicious Living by Nick Offerman
• Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story by Arnold Schwarzenegger
• Me by Elton John

Purpose and Impact

The autobiography as a literary form has several purposes and impacts on both the author and the reader. Some of these purposes and impacts include self-reflection, sharing personal experiences, and influencing society and culture.

One of the primary purposes of writing an autobiography is self-reflection. Through the process of narrating their own lives, authors can reflect on their experiences and emotions, gaining insight into their personal development and growth. This self-reflection can lead to both greater self-awareness and ultimately, self-improvement.

Sharing Personal Experience

Another important aspect of autobiographies is the sharing of personal experiences. The authors use the written word as a means to share their unique perspectives, triumphs, and difficulties with a wider audience.

These personal narratives can offer valuable lessons and insights to readers, allowing them to empathize with the author’s experiences and potentially apply these insights to their own lives.

Influencing Society and Culture

Autobiographies can also have a profound impact on society and culture. By sharing their personal stories, authors can spark change, raise awareness of certain issues, or challenge societal norms and beliefs.

This influence on society and culture allows autobiographies to have a lasting impact beyond the individual lives depicted within their pages.

Challenges and Criticisms

Reliability.

One challenge often faced by autobiographies is the issue of reliability. Since the author is the subject of the story, there may be a tendency to portray themselves in a more favorable light or to omit certain details that could be perceived as negative.

For example, in the autobiography “The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin,” Franklin may have omitted certain aspects of his life to maintain a positive public image.

Another challenge faced by autobiographies is the concept of truth. Autobiographical narratives can sometimes blur the lines between fact and fiction, making it difficult for readers to discern the accuracy of the story. A notable example of this is James Frey’s “A Million Little Pieces,” which was later revealed to contain fabricated information.

Writing Your Own Autobiography

Writing an autobiography can be a rewarding and insightful experience, capturing your life’s journey and creating a record for future generations.

Finding Your Focus

Before you begin writing, it’s essential to identify the defining moments and themes in your life that you want to highlight. Reflect on your experiences and identify the most significant events that shaped who you are today.

Creating an Outline

An outline will provide structure to your autobiography, making it easier to navigate through your life’s chronology. Organize your outline by dividing it into sections such as childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, or by thematic categories specific to your life. This will help you present your story in a logical and coherent manner.

Developing Your Voice

Your voice as an autobiographer is essential, as it will set the tone and atmosphere of your narrative. Strive for a confident, knowledgeable, and neutral tone that authentically represents your experiences.

Revising and Editing

Revise and edit your autobiography carefully, ensuring that your writing is clear, concise, and engaging. This process not only includes checking for grammatical errors and factual inaccuracies but also enhancing the narrative flow and readability of your story.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i write an autobiography about someone else.

If you are writing about someone else’s life, the work would be considered a biography rather than an autobiography. A biography is a narrative account of someone’s life written by someone other than the subject.

To write a biography, you’ll need to conduct thorough research, including interviews with the subject (if possible), their friends and family, and any relevant documents, such as letters, diaries, or published works.

Like an autobiography, a biography should be engaging and well-structured, offering readers insight into the subject’s life and experiences.

Can I collaborate with someone to write my autobiography?

Yes, collaborating with another writer or a professional ghostwriter is a common approach to writing an autobiography.

This process typically involves the subject sharing their life story through a series of interviews, conversations, or written correspondence, which the collaborator then uses as the basis for crafting the narrative.

Collaborating with a skilled writer can help ensure that your autobiography is well-structured, engaging, and professionally written, while still maintaining your personal voice and perspective.

Are there any legal or ethical considerations when writing an autobiography?

When writing an autobiography, it’s important to be aware of potential legal and ethical considerations, such as privacy and defamation.

Sharing personal information about others, especially if it could potentially harm their reputation or violate their privacy, can lead to legal issues. To avoid potential problems, it’s wise to:

– Seek permission from individuals whose stories you plan to include, especially if they involve sensitive or private information. – Use discretion when discussing the lives and experiences of others, considering the potential impact on their lives and relationships. – Ensure that your accounts of events and experiences are truthful and accurate, avoiding exaggeration or fabrication that could be construed as defamation.

Being mindful of these considerations will help you write a responsible and respectful autobiography that shares your story while minimizing potential risks.

Autobiographies provide a captivating glimpse into the lives of their authors, offering readers an intimate and authentic account of personal experiences, growth, and challenges.

From historical figures to everyday people, these self-written narratives reveal the human spirit’s resilience and the transformative power of personal reflection. By exploring the rich world of autobiographies, we can broaden our understanding of the diverse tapestry of human experiences, ultimately deepening our empathy and connection with others.

Whether you’re an aspiring writer or a curious reader, delving into the realm of autobiographies promises an enriching and enlightening journey.

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Table of Contents

Ai, ethics & human agency, collaboration, information literacy, writing process, autobiography.

• © 2023 by Joseph M. Moxley - University of South Florida

Who are you? How have your experiences shaped your sense of what is important or possible? Realize the benefits of using writing to reflect on your life. Read exemplary autobiographies and write about a significant, unusual, or dramatic event in your life.

Autobiographies are stories that people write about themselves. These stories can be factual accounts of significant, unusual, or dramatic events. They can be remembrances of  famous   or interesting people. And sometimes, when people slip from fact into fiction, they can be fictional stories, what some writers call “faction.”

Why Write an Autobiography?

As we age, we invariably wonder who and what experiences shaped us. One of our most elemental impulses is to define and explore the self. We try to understand who we are and  who we can be by examining how we respond to different situations and people. Sometimes we wonder what other people think of us and wonder why we behave the way we do. Sometimes we are perplexed and feel inner discord because our self-images don’t fit with what other people or society seem to expect of us. When we feel the urge to make changes in our lives, we often find that reflecting on our experiences is a prerequisite for change. As Abraham H. Maslow remarks in his thought-provoking book on human development, Personality and Motivation, “One cannot choose wisely for a life unless he dares to listen to himself, his own self, at each moment of life.”

Not all autobiography is about expressive writing. As illustrated by the sample readings, people also tell stories about themselves to sell products or motivate people, to entertain, and to persuade people:

My role in society, or any artist or poet’s role, is to try and express what we all feel. Not to tell people how to feel. Not as a preacher, not as a leader, but as a reflection of us all -John Lennon

In a very real sense, the writer writes in order to teach himself, to understand himself -Alfred Kazin

People write autobiographies for many reasons, and they employ a variety of media while addressing diverse audiences. For some, such as John Lennon, autobiography is a social process, a way of reflecting on our culture, while for others, such as Alfred Kazin, autobiographies are a deeply personal genre, a tool for internal reflection and personal growth.

Diverse Rhetorical Situations

The most common purpose in a brief autobiography or profile is to depict an important challenge or event in the author’s life. Writers of autobiographies may hope to entertain readers or to educate them. They may hope their story helps readers understand the lives of others who come from different backgrounds.

Alternatively, writers may seek self-understanding. They may tell personal stories about important moments in their lives. For example, they may author a cultural autobiography, which is an autobiography that examines how elements of the culture they were raised in—family, friends, church, schooling, community—helped to shape their identity, their sense of what is possible, and their perception of what is important. Some authors may assume a false voice, writing a fictional autobiography with an assumed persona.

Autobiographies usually employ a strong personal voice, using the first person; they often employ many of the techniques of story telling, including hooking the reader with a compelling introduction, dialog, showing rather than telling, and using rich description.

Typically autobiographers do not rely on secondary research (library or Internet research) or primary research (questionnaires, interviews, or ethnographies). Instead of focusing on the lives of others, external research, or reviews of others’ writing, autobiographers are focused inward, questioning who they are, who they can become, and why their world vision is what it is.

A college education can increase your ability to analyze experiences, to empathize with others, and to understand how cultural assumptions shape behavior. One of the primary reasons for becoming educated is to learn to evaluate your beliefs and to question how others may be trying to manipulate you. Perhaps more than any other medium, the blank page offers you the best opportunity to examine your assumptions and to explore the conflicts in your life.

Because autobiography involves reflecting about who you are and why you make decisions, you may not see immediately how autobiographies relate to typical academic writing, which generally focuses on subjects other than the self. On a practical level, however, autobiographical writing engages many of the same thinking strategies required by other forms of writing. For example, when writing an autobiography, you will probably explore causes and effects, hypothesize about developmental steps, and perhaps even persuade a reader about the rightness of your actions.

More importantly, on a broader level, we should note that all writing—all knowing—is to some degree autobiographical. Without personal relevance, much information can seem inane and trivial. Writers routinely draw on their personal experience to select topics. Most educators agree that we learn best when we relate new information to what we already know, and some experts in writing theory believe that expressive, autobiographical writing plays a part in all writing, including academic writing. Others argue that the personal voice should be present even in traditional academic discourse, that knowledge and argument are always personal.

Sampling of Rhetorical Situations

Rhetorical analysis of online readings.

Consider the context, audience, purpose, and media invoked by the following readings. Also examine how ideas are developed in these texts. Are assertions grounded in personal experience, interviews with authorities, questionnaires, Internet and library research, or empirical research? How does the writer’s choice of media influence the shape of content?

• In a first year seminar course at Sonoma State University, Suzanne Toczyski explores how her Polish-American upbringing shaped her identity [Suzanne Toczyski’s Cultural Autobiography].
• To help understand “Exceptional Human Experience,” people write and share autobiographies at the Exceptional Human Experience Network .
• Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin : Benjamin Franklin reflects on how to evolve as a person and on events in the new world.
• Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave : Frederick Douglass writes about the cruelties of American slavery.
• The Diary of Anne Frank , a German-Jewish teenager, wrote her diary while hiding from the Germans for 25 months during World War II. Frank’s diary has now been translated into 67 languages.
• Daily blogs are becoming exceedingly popular. People like Jason Aleksandr Kottke , a Web designer in California, have created daily online blogs that have attracted significant numbers of readers. Jason’s site also features a webcam that lets you watch him write. Jason has also archived his blogs over the past three years.

Brevity - Say More with Less

Clarity (in Speech and Writing)

Coherence - How to Achieve Coherence in Writing

Flow - How to Create Flow in Writing

Inclusivity - Inclusive Language

The Elements of Style - The DNA of Powerful Writing

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How to Write an Autobiography

Writing your autobiography is like exploring a treasure trove of memories that make up your life. But starting can feel overwhelming. Where do you begin? How do you turn your experiences into a compelling story? Don't worry – this guide is here to help. Whether you're a seasoned writer or a total beginner, we'll break down the process of how to write your autobiography into easy-to-follow steps. Together, we'll uncover the magic of storytelling and turn your life into a captivating reflective essay that's uniquely yours. Get ready to start this adventure of self-discovery and creativity!

What Is an Autobiography

The autobiography definition explains it is a written account of a person's life penned by the individual who has lived those experiences. It is a personal narrative that chronicles significant events, reflections, and emotions throughout various stages of the author's life. Unlike a biography, which is typically written by someone else, an autobiography provides a firsthand perspective, allowing the author to share their thoughts, memories, and insights. It is a cogent medium for self-expression, enabling students to convey the essence of their unique journey, impart lessons learned, and leave a lasting record of their lives for themselves and others to explore.

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Autobiography vs. Biography: What’s the Difference

The key distinction between an autobiography and a biography lies in the authorship and perspective. An autobiography is a personal account of one's own life written by the subject themselves. It offers an intimate insight into the author's experiences, emotions, and reflections. For instance, in "The Diary of a Young Girl," Anne Frank provides a poignant autobiographical account of her life hiding from the Nazis during World War II. On the other hand, a biography is a narrative of someone's life written by another person. It often involves extensive research and interviews to present a comprehensive and objective view. A notable example is "Steve Jobs" by Walter Isaacson, a biography offering an in-depth portrayal of the Apple co-founder, drawing on interviews with Jobs himself and those who knew him. While both genres illuminate lives, the crucial difference lies in the source of the narrative – whether it emanates directly from the subject or is crafted by an external observer.

A biography vs autobiography offers distinct perspectives on individuals' lives, shaping narratives through either personal reflections or external observations. Maya Angelou's "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" is a powerful autobiography chronicling her tumultuous childhood and journey toward self-discovery. In contrast, a notable biography like "Leonardo da Vinci" by Walter Isaacson delves into the life of the Renaissance polymath, painting a vivid picture through meticulous research and analysis. Autobiographies often provide a deeply personal lens, as seen in "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls, where Walls recounts her unconventional upbringing. In contrast, biographies such as "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand meticulously document the extraordinary life of Louis Zamperini, offering a comprehensive view shaped by the author's investigative work. These examples underscore the unique storytelling approaches each genre employs, either from the firsthand perspective of the subject or the external perspective of an author.

Autobiography Example

Ready to explore autobiography examples? We've got a cool section coming up where we'll check out two awesome examples. Autobiographies are like personal tours into someone's life, and we'll be looking at the stories of Alex Sterling and Trevor Noah. They've poured their experiences onto the pages, and we're going to see what we can learn from their journeys. Get ready to be inspired and maybe even think about telling your own story down the line. Let's dive in!

Example 1: “Wanderer's Odyssey: The Uncharted Life of Alex Sterling”

This autobiography recounts the life of a character born in a bustling city who, driven by a thirst for adventure, leaves behind urban life to explore the open road. The narrative explores the protagonist's experiences of hitchhiking, forming connections, and finding self-discovery in the midst of the unpredictable journey. The story emphasizes the lessons learned from the road, the challenges faced, and the ultimate embrace of authenticity. The epilogue reflects on the character's life as a well-lived odyssey, highlighting themes of resilience, connection, and the pursuit of one's true identity.

Example 2: “Echoes of Eternity: The Memoirs of Amelia Reed”

This autobiography follows a character from a countryside village who harbors expansive dreams of adventure. The narrative unfolds as the protagonist sets out to pursue these dreams, facing trials and triumphs that shape their character and lead to self-discovery. The story emphasizes the transformative power of embracing the unknown, with the epilogue reflecting on a life well-lived, highlighting the legacy of fulfilled dreams and the enduring impact on future generations. In addition to examples, we have samples of narrative essay topics that might be useful for you as well.

Tell your story with EssayPro . Our skilled writers can help you craft an autobiography that truly reflects your journey. Share your unique experiences and life lessons in a way that resonates with readers.

Autobiography Elements Explained

Writing an autobiography provides a personal account of one's experiences, achievements, challenges, and personal growth. While each autobiography is unique, certain common elements are often found in this genre:

Introduction

• Autobiographies typically begin with an introduction where the author sets the stage for their life story.
• It may include background information such as birthplace, family, and early experiences.

Birth and Early Years

• Authors often include details about their birth, childhood, and family background.
• Early influences, relationships, and experiences that shaped the individual may be highlighted.

Significant Life Events

• Autobiographies focus on key events and milestones that have had a significant impact on the author's life.
• This could include achievements, failures, relationships, and other impactful experiences.

Challenges and Obstacles

• Autobiographies explore the challenges and obstacles the author faced throughout their life.
• This can include personal struggles, professional setbacks, or other difficulties.

Personal Growth and Development

• Authors reflect on their personal growth and development over the years.
• This may involve self-discovery, learning from experiences, and evolving perspectives.

Achievements and Milestones

• Autobiographies highlight the author's achievements, whether personal, professional, or both.
• Major milestones and successes are often detailed to showcase the individual's journey.

Influential Relationships

• Autobiographies frequently discuss relationships with family, friends, mentors, and significant others.
• The impact of these relationships on the author's life is explored.

Reflection and Insight

• Authors often reflect on their lives, offering insights into their beliefs, values, and lessons learned.
• This section may also include the author's perspective on the world and society.

Themes and Motifs

• Autobiographies may explore recurring themes or motifs that run throughout the individual's life.
• Common themes include resilience, determination, love, loss, and personal identity.
• Autobiographies typically conclude with a summary or reflection on the author's life.
• The author may share their current perspective and future aspirations.

Writing Style

• The writing style can vary, ranging from a formal tone to a more conversational and reflective approach.
• Authors may use literary devices and storytelling techniques to engage readers.

Remember that autobiographies are highly personal, and the structure and emphasis on different elements can vary widely depending on the author's preferences and purpose for writing.

Autobiographical Essay Structure

Autobiographies typically follow a chronological order, beginning with the author's early life and progressing towards the present or a significant moment. The introduction sets the stage, introducing the author and offering insight into the main themes. As you can see in an autobiography example, the narrative then unfolds, exploring the author's significant life events, challenges faced, and personal growth. Achievements and milestones are highlighted, and the impact of influential relationships is examined. Throughout, recurring themes and motifs add depth to the narrative. In the reflection and insight section, the author shares personal lessons learned and beliefs. The conclusion summarizes the autobiography, reflecting on the author's life and future aspirations.

Learning how to start an autobiography involves captivating the reader's attention while providing context. Authors often employ engaging anecdotes, vivid descriptions, or thought-provoking statements related to the overarching theme of their lives. The goal is to draw readers in from the beginning and establish a connection between the author and the audience. In the introduction, authors can introduce themselves to the reader. This can be done by sharing a captivating snapshot of their life or posing a question that intrigues the audience. The autobiography introduction sets the tone for the entire narrative, providing a glimpse into the themes and events that will be explored in the autobiography.

The autobiography conclusion offers the culmination of the author's life story. Here, authors often summarize the key points and experiences shared throughout the narrative. It is a moment of reflection, where the author can offer insights into the significance of their journey and the lessons learned along the way. The conclusion may also touch on the author's current perspective, providing a sense of closure to the narrative while leaving room for future aspirations and growth.

Literary Forms of Autobiography

Autobiographies, while generally a non-fiction genre, can take on various literary forms and styles. Here are some literary forms commonly found in autobiographical works:

Traditional Autobiography

• The straightforward narrative of an individual's life, which is usually written by the person themselves. It follows a chronological order, covering significant events and experiences.
• Similar to an autobiography but often focusing on specific themes, periods, or aspects of the author's life rather than a comprehensive account. Memoirs often delve into personal reflections and emotions.

Diary or Journal Form

• Some autobiographies adopt the form of a diary or journal, presenting the author's life through dated entries. This format provides a more immediate and personal perspective.

Epistolary Autobiography

• Written in the form of letters, an epistolary autobiography may consist of the author addressing themselves or others. This style adds an intimate and conversational tone to the narrative.

Graphic Novel or Comic Memoir

• Autobiographical stories are presented in a graphic novel or comic format. Visual elements complement the written narrative, providing a unique and engaging way to convey personal experiences.

Experimental or Nonlinear Autobiography

• Some authors choose to play with the chronological order, presenting their life story non-linearly. This experimental approach can create a more artistic and challenging reading experience.

Biographical Fiction

• While not entirely autobiographical, some authors write fictionalized versions of their own lives. It allows for creative exploration and artistic liberties while drawing inspiration from real experiences.

Travelogue Autobiography

• Autobiographies that take on the form of a travelogue often focus on the author's journeys, both physical and metaphorical. The narrative is shaped by the places visited and the impact of these experiences on personal growth.

Essayistic Autobiography

• Autobiographies that incorporate elements of essays, exploring themes, ideas, and reflections on the author's life. This form allows for a more contemplative and philosophical approach.

Collaborative Autobiography

• Co-written autobiographies involve collaboration between the autobiographical subject and a professional writer. It is common when the subject may not be a writer but has a compelling story to share.

These literary forms highlight the versatility of autobiographical writing, showcasing how authors can creatively shape their life stories to engage readers in various ways. Are you working on other academic assignments? Use our term paper writing services to put your finger on any pending task at hand quickly and for a reasonable price.

How to Write an Autobiography in 5 Steps

Writing an autobiography can be a rewarding and reflective process. Here's a simplified guide in 5 steps to help you get started:

Step 1: Reflection and Brainstorming

Begin by reflecting on your life, considering important events, challenges, and moments of growth. Make a mental inventory of key experiences and people who have influenced you.

Step 2: Establish a Focus

Choose a central theme or focus for your autobiography. This could be a specific period of your life, a significant achievement, or a recurring theme that ties your experiences together. Having a clear focus will guide your writing.

Step 3: Create a Chronological Outline

Develop a rough chronological outline of your life story, starting from your early years and progressing through significant events to the present or another crucial point. Identify key moments and experiences to include in each section.

Step 4: Write with Detail and Emotion

An important aspect of writing an autobiography for college is appealing to emotion. As you delve into each body paragraph, share your story with vivid details. Use descriptive language to bring your experiences to life for the reader. Infuse your writing with emotion, allowing readers to connect with the depth of your personal journey.

Step 5: Conclude Reflectively

In the concluding section, summarize the key aspects of your life story. Reflect on the significance of your journey, the lessons you've learned, and how you've grown. Provide insights into your current perspective and aspirations for the future, bringing your autobiography to a thoughtful conclusion.

Writing Techniques to Use in an Autobiography

When you write an autobiography, the process involves employing various techniques to make the narrative engaging, evocative, and compelling. Here are some tips for writing autobiography commonly used in autobiographies:

Descriptive Language

• Use vivid and descriptive language to paint a detailed picture of events, people, and settings. Engage the reader's senses to create a more immersive experience.
• Incorporate dialogue to bring conversations to life. Direct quotes can provide authenticity and convey the personalities of the people involved.

Show, Don't Tell

• Instead of merely stating facts, show the emotions and experiences through actions, reactions, and sensory details. 

Flashbacks and Foreshadowing

• Employ flashbacks to delve into past events and foreshadowing to create anticipation about future developments. 

Metaphors and Similes

• Use metaphors and similes to enhance descriptions and convey complex emotions. Comparisons can make abstract concepts more relatable.
• Integrate symbols and motifs that hold personal significance. This adds depth to the narrative and can be a thematic thread throughout the autobiography.

Humor and Wit

• Infuse your writing with humor and wit when appropriate. 
• Introduce suspense by strategically withholding information or revealing key details at crucial moments. 

First-Person Perspective

• Utilize the first-person point of view to offer a direct and personal connection between the author and the reader. 

Dramatic Irony

• Introduce dramatic irony by revealing information to the reader that the author may not have known at the time.

Parallelism

• Create parallel structures within the narrative, drawing connections between different periods, events, or themes in your life. 

Experimenting with different styles can make your story more engaging and memorable for readers. If you haven’t used these techniques in your paper, simply say, ‘ edit my essay ,’ and our experts will imbue stylistic and creative devices in your document to increase its scholarly value.

Benefits of Writing an Autobiography

Working on an autobiography can be incredibly beneficial on a personal level. When you take the time to reflect on your life and put it into words, you gain a deeper understanding of yourself. It's like a journey of self-discovery where you uncover patterns, values, and beliefs that have shaped who you are. This process not only promotes self-awareness but can also help you grow and bounce back from tough times. Writing about challenging moments can be a therapeutic release, allowing you to confront and make sense of your experiences, leading to emotional healing.

On a broader scale, sharing your life story through an autobiography has its impact. It becomes a piece of history, offering insights into the times you've lived through, the culture around you, and societal changes. Your personal narrative connects you with others, creating empathy and understanding. Autobiographies often inspire people by showing that it's possible to overcome challenges, find purpose, and navigate the ups and downs of life. By sharing your story, you become a part of the larger human experience, contributing to a rich tapestry of diverse stories that help us better understand the shared journey of being human. Order an essay or any other type of task to streamline your educational progress is only a few clicks.

Best Piece of Advice for Making Your Autobiography Spot-on

The most valuable advice is to infuse authenticity into every word. Be genuine, raw, and honest about your experiences, emotions, and growth. Readers connect deeply with authenticity, and it's what makes your story uniquely yours. Don't shy away from expressing vulnerability, as it adds a human touch and makes your narrative relatable. Share the highs and lows, the triumphs and struggles, with sincerity, and let your true self shine through. This honesty not only enhances the impact of your autobiography but also contributes to a more profound connection between you and your readers, creating an authentic and memorable narrative. Here are additional tips for bringing your autobiography assignment up to par:

• Essential Details. Focus on key moments that significantly contribute to your story, avoiding unnecessary details.
• Thematic Cohesion. Introduce and explore recurring themes to add depth and coherence to your narrative.
• Authentic Expression. Embrace your unique voice, personality, and storytelling style to create an authentic connection with readers.
• Dialogue and Monologue. Use genuine dialogue and inner monologue to provide insights into your thoughts and emotions during pivotal moments.
• Symbolic Elements. Incorporate symbolic imagery or metaphors to convey deeper meanings and emotions.
• Strategic Foreshadowing. Use foreshadowing purposefully, providing subtle hints that contribute meaningfully to the overall narrative.
• Reflective Closure. Conclude your autobiography with a reflective summary that offers insights into the broader significance of your journey.

Our essay writers know many more tips regarding all possible types of academic tasks. If you ever find yourself in writer’s block, not knowing how to tackle any particular assignment, let us know!

Final Words

If you want to understand how to write a good autobiography, think of it as painting a vivid picture of your life for others to see. It's about being real, digging deep into your memories, and choosing the moments that really matter. Let your personality shine through in your writing – be yourself because that's what makes your story unique. Weave in themes that tie everything together, and use storytelling techniques like dialogue and symbolism to make your narrative come alive. And as you reach the end, leave your readers with some food for thought – a reflection on the bigger lessons learned from your journey. If you ever need assistance with this or any other college assignment, use our research paper services without hesitation.

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How to Write an Autobiography?

How to start an autobiography essay, what is the difference between autobiography and biography, related articles.

How to Define Autobiography

Glossary of Grammatical and Rhetorical Terms

• An Introduction to Punctuation
• Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
• M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
• B.A., English, State University of New York

An autobiography is an account of a person's life written or otherwise recorded by that person. Adjective: autobiographical .

Many scholars regard the Confessions (c. 398) by Augustine of Hippo (354–430) as the first autobiography.

The term fictional autobiography (or pseudoautobiography ) refers to novels that employ first-person narrators who recount the events of their lives as if they actually happened. Well-known examples include David Copperfield (1850) by Charles Dickens and Salinger's  The Catcher in the Rye (1951).

Some critics believe that all autobiographies are in some ways fictional. Patricia Meyer Spacks has observed that "people do make themselves up. . . . To read an autobiography is to encounter a self as an imaginative being" ( The Female Imagination , 1975).

For the distinction between a memoir and an autobiographical composition, see memoir  as well as the examples and observations below. 

From the Greek, "self" + "life" + "write"

Examples of Autobiographical Prose

• Imitating the Style of the Spectator , by Benjamin Franklin
• Langston Hughes on Harlem
• On the Street, by Emma Goldman
• Ritual in Maya Angelou's Caged Bird
• The Turbid Ebb and Flow of Misery, by Margaret Sanger
• Two Ways of Seeing a River, by Mark Twain

Examples and Observations of Autobiographical Compositions

• "An autobiography is an obituary in serial form with the last installment missing." (Quentin Crisp, The Naked Civil Servant , 1968)
• "Putting a life into words rescues it from confusion even when the words declare the omnipresence of confusion, since the art of declaring implies dominance." (Patricia Meyer Spacks, Imagining a Self: Autobiography and Novel in Eighteenth-Century England . Harvard University Press, 1976)
• The Opening Lines of Zora Neale Hurston's Autobiography - "Like the dead-seeming, cold rocks, I have memories within that came out of the material that went to make me. Time and place have had their say. "So you will have to know something about the time and place where I came from, in order that you may interpret the incidents and directions of my life. "I was born in a Negro town. I do not mean by that the black back-side of an average town. Eatonville, Florida, is, and was at the time of my birth, a pure Negro town--charter, mayor, council, town marshal and all. It was not the first Negro community in America, but it was the first to be incorporated, the first attempt at organized self-government on the part of Negroes in America. "Eatonville is what you might call hitting a straight lick with a crooked stick. The town was not in the original plan. It is a by-product of something else. . . ." (Zora Neale Hurston, Dust Tracks on a Road . J.B. Lippincott, 1942) - "There is a saying in the Black community that advises: 'If a person asks you where you're going, you tell him where you've been. That way you neither lie nor reveal your secrets.' Hurston had called herself the 'Queen of the Niggerati.' She also said, 'I like myself when I'm laughing.' Dust Tracks on a Road is written with royal humor and an imperious creativity. But then all creativity is imperious, and Zora Neale Hurston was certainly creative." (Maya Angelou, Foreword to Dust Tracks on a Road , rpt. HarperCollins, 1996)
• Autobiography and Truth "All autobiographies are lies. I do not mean unconscious, unintentional lies; I mean deliberate lies. No man is bad enough to tell the truth about himself during his lifetime, involving, as it must, the truth about his family and friends and colleagues. And no man is good enough to tell the truth in a document which he suppresses until there is nobody left alive to contradict him." (George Bernard Shaw, Sixteen Self Sketches , 1898)" " Autobiography is an unrivaled vehicle for telling the truth about other people." (attributed to Thomas Carlyle, Philip Guedalla, and others)
• Autobiography and Memoir - "An autobiography is the story of a life : the name implies that the writer will somehow attempt to capture all the essential elements of that life. A writer's autobiography, for example, is not expected to deal merely with the author's growth and career as a writer but also with the facts and emotions connected to family life, education, relationships, sexuality, travels, and inner struggles of all kinds. An autobiography is sometimes limited by dates (as in Under My Skin: Volume One of My Autobiography to 1949 by Doris Lessing), but not obviously by theme. "Memoir, on the other hand, is a story from a life . It makes no pretense of replicating a whole life." (Judith Barrington, Writing the Memoir: From Truth to Art . Eighth Mountain Press, 2002) - "Unlike autobiography , which moves in a dutiful line from birth to fame, memoir narrows the lens, focusing on a time in the writer's life that was unusually vivid, such as childhood or adolescence, or that was framed by war or travel or public service or some other special circumstance." (William Zinsser, "Introduction," Inventing the Truth: The Art and Craft of Memoir . Mariner Books, 1998)
• An "Epidemical Rage for Auto-Biography" "[I]f the populace of writers become thus querulous after fame (to which they have no pretensions) we shall expect to see an epidemical rage for auto-biography break out, more wide in its influence and more pernicious in its tendency than the strange madness of the Abderites, so accurately described by Lucian. London, like Abdera, will be peopled solely by 'men of genius'; and as the frosty season, the grand specific for such evils, is over, we tremble for the consequences. Symptoms of this dreadful malady (though somewhat less violent) have appeared amongst us before . . .." (Isaac D'Israeli, "Review of "The Memoirs of Percival Stockdale," 1809)|
• The Lighter Side of Autobiography - "The Confessions of St. Augustine are the first autobiography , and they have this to distinguish them from all other autobiographies, that they are addressed directly to God." (Arthur Symons, Figures of Several Centuries , 1916) - "I write fiction and I'm told it's autobiography , I write autobiography and I'm told it's fiction, so since I'm so dim and they're so smart, let them decide what it is or isn't." (Philip Roth, Deception , 1990) - "I'm writing an unauthorized autobiography ." (Steven Wright)

Pronunciation: o-toe-bi-OG-ra-fee

• 6 Revealing Autobiographies by African American Thinkers
• 100 Major Works of Modern Creative Nonfiction
• Biographies: The Stories of Humanity
• 5 Writers of the Harlem Renaissance
• 42 Must-Read Feminist Female Authors
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• How It Feels to Be Colored Me, by Zora Neale Hurston
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9 Reasons Why You Should Write an Autobiography

Home » Blog » 9 Reasons Why You Should Write an Autobiography

9 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD WRITE AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY

Academy Award-winning actor Sidney Poitier once remarked, “My autobiography was simply the story of my life.”

Indeed, an autobiography is testament to a life well-lived. However, some erroneously believe that an autobiography’s subject must be a celebrity or wealthy person.

The truth is that anyone can write an autobiography. After all, there is nothing egocentric about chronicling one’s journey through life. The ups and downs that characterize lives provide sufficient reason to produce an autobiography.

In this article we will explore nine reasons why writing an autobiography in 2021 is a worthwhile endeavor.

9 Reasons Why You Should Write an Autobiography in 2021

1. it provides a legacy for future generations..

A legacy is an important part of a well-lived life. After all, a legacy is an indelible memento that lives on for generations.

As the great poet Maya Angelou put it, “If you’re going to live, leave a legacy. Make a mark on the world that can’t be erased.” Undoubtedly, a legacy can serve as an enduring fingerprint.

Indeed, future generations can recall truly remarkable lives. Nevertheless, memories tend to fade with time. Eventually, these amazing lives may get lost in the sands of time. Thus, it is crucial to chronicle such lives in a lasting format.

Consequently, the foremost reason for writing an autobiography is to set the record straight. An autobiography should serve as a personal, first-hand account about valuable life experiences. As such, the enduring legacy morphs into pearls of perpetual wisdom.

An autobiography allows these pearls to move from generation to generation. After all, words recorded on a page cannot fade away easily.

2. It helps you take your place in history.

Every person that has ever existed occupies a place in history. Sadly, the vast majority of them lose their voices over time. Memories fade and die away with each passing generation. And over time, each current generation forgets the contributions their ancestors made in shaping who they are today.

Writing an autobiography enables the author to claim their rightful place in history. Moreover, the author can tell their story in their voice. As a result, autobiographers plant flags that no one can remove. Future generations can then take these flags as the roadmap to a brighter tomorrow.

Greek statesman and general Pericles famously said, “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”

Unquestionably, time decays even the largest of monuments. Nature can destroy them. However, no force can shatter the fabric of the human spirit.

Time will inexorably pass. With it, memories of great people will perish unless they claim their rightful spot in history. An autobiography is an ideal means of asserting one’s position in the scope of yesteryear.

3. You can better understand your life’s journey.

It is highly common for people to feel disconnected from their identity. After all, it can be somewhat difficult to carve an identity without understanding the journey leading up to the present.

The immortal Greek philosopher Aristotle said, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” Knowing oneself leads to understanding one’s journey.

Of course, there are times in which the past is murky at best. However, clarity can come from an autobiography.

An autobiography is an exercise in self-discovery. It allows the author room to explore their journey. As a result, knowledge of oneself emerges as the journey comes into focus. The written chronicle enables the reader to glimpse into the magical path of self-discovery. Hopefully, this path will also help the reader discover their path.

It is worth noting that an autobiography should not be a bullet-point list of events and facts. Instead, an autobiography should provide a narrative that facilitates exploring the journey of self-discovery. The reader can then take this journey and use it for their benefit.

The most inspirational autobiographies give readers an opportunity to reflect on their journey. Most importantly, superb autobiographies profoundly connect with readers. Wonderful autobiographies are like mirrors in which readers can see their reflections.

4. Writing an autobiography is great therapy!

Psychologists often recommend that their patients write their thoughts and feelings. The aim is for individuals to make sense of their emotions by articulating them.

At first, these thoughts might lack clarity and direction. Nevertheless, they begin to take shape as the writing process continues.

Writing an autobiography is a process that requires the author to explore their emotions at various junctions of their life. However, the autobiographical process reviews the author’s life with the benefit of hindsight. Hence, the healing process can consequently emerge.

As a renowned writer and journalist Graham Greene put it, “Writing is a form of therapy; sometimes I wonder how all those who do not write, compose, or paint can manage to escape the madness, melancholia, the panic, and fear which is inherent in a human situation.”

Indeed, human nature is rife with a myriad of emotions, both negative and positive. Therefore, writing serves to dissipate such emotions and achieve clarity.

Often, autobiographies emerge from journaling. Personal journals are the ideal source material for great autobiographies. After all, journals allow autobiographers to go back in time to see their state of mind at the time of writing. From there, hindsight can begin to make sense of it all.

5. It helps you establish connections.

Modern technology and on-the-go lifestyles can often lead to isolation. It is quite easy to lose focus due to the multiple distractions that abound. The ensuing disconnect can lead individuals to miss their place within society.

When writing an autobiography, the author must establish a connection within their immediate social circle and society as a whole. After all, the surrounding social environment directly influences the author’s actions and reactions.

The social environment can provide valuable clues to understand the context in which the autobiographical exercise takes place.

Humanitarian and philanthropist Melinda Gates once said, “Deep human connection is… the purpose and the result of a meaningful life – and it will inspire the most amazing acts of love, generosity, and humanity.”

Undoubtedly, having a deep human connection with the world helps individuals express their humanity. Consequently, an autobiography can become a vehicle for such connections.

The writing process enables authors to see where they fit within their social context on a personal level.

More often than not, autobiographers realize they have played a far more important role than they could have ever imagined. As a result, the writing process is nothing more than a record of their noteworthy contributions.

6. It gives you a new sense of purpose.

It is not uncommon to go through life perceiving a lack of purpose. Whether conscious or not, all people go through life with a purpose driving them.

Naturally, everyone’s purpose differs. However, that purpose does not generally come into focus without careful and dedicated reflection. Hence, the autobiographical process affords those moments of reflection.

Legendary Russian author Fyodor Dostoyevsky penned, “The mystery of human existence lies not just in staying alive, but in finding something to live for.”

Indeed, everyone lives for a reason. The issue is that not everyone is fully aware of this reason.

Writing an autobiography allows the author to explore their life’s purpose. Furthermore, it allows the reader to assess theirs. In the end, the autobiographical process permits a two-way conversation in which each interlocutor can reflect on their purpose.

Please bear in mind that developing a sense of purpose is an ongoing pursuit. As such, an autobiography is akin to a collection of snapshots. Once put together, each snapshot articulates an overarching purpose.

7. You’ll make new contacts.

It may seem somewhat surprising to think how an autobiography can lead to making new contacts. A published autobiography (self-published, digital, or traditional) promotes exposure. On the surface, making new contacts may not seem like an obvious consequence, but it can certainly happen.

For some professionals, a memoir or autobiography serves to boost their visibility. As a result, their work helps create more awareness. Also, writing a book, any book, is an important milestone, especially in academic fields.

Some writers may struggle with putting pen to paper. To remedy this situation, they seek writing groups or communities. In these groups, writers find support from other like-minded individuals.

Consequently, this support allows struggling autobiographers to get through any obstacles standing in their way.

Overall, making new contacts may appear to be an indirect consequence of penning an autobiography. Ultimately, though, it may prove to be the most valuable result of all.

8. It’s an exciting process!

There are times when life seems stuck in a rut. Perhaps long-put-off projects lurk in the back of one’s mind. Or one may even be at a crossroads in life.

Whatever the case, writing an autobiography is an important box to check off one’s bucket list.

In the words of renowned actress Mia Farrow, “My father always told me I should be a writer, and I found I loved writing my autobiography; writing is such an interesting process.”

These words echo a truth regarding the autobiographical process: One does not need to be a writer to produce a quality autobiography. Writing an autobiography should not be a chore. Instead, penning one’s life story should be a labor of love.

It is the culmination of many memorable chapters while looking toward the following ones.

Indeed, writing an autobiography should bring a sense of joy and excitement into one’s life. Undoubtedly, some may find the writing process difficult at first. Nevertheless, that is where the beauty of the process lies.

The writing process is just another memorable journey in a wonderful existence. It is a process worth cherishing. Ultimately, the reader will imbibe the genuine emotions contained on every page.

9. It’ll unleash your creativity.

Producing autobiographical work is an exercise in creative writing. Thus, an autobiography should never be just a collection of facts and dates. If anything, such a work would resemble a résumé instead of an autobiography.

As novelist and essayist Chloe Thurlow put it, “An autobiography is a precious broken vase pieced painstakingly together still showing the chips and cracks.” As such, presenting a laundry list of data does little to reveal the uniqueness of that broken vase. Incorporating creative writing allows the author to fit the pieces together as neatly as possible.

In contrast, presenting a list of facts leaves many gaps in the overall picture. As a result, the reader will never fully grasp the real person behind the data. Therefore, autobiographers must unleash their creativity.

Of course, it is important to differentiate between creativity and embellishment.

Some authors use outrageous language to create an effect. While that approach is certainly valid, the main objective is to present the truth. From there, readers can build their assumptions about the true character.

In the end, an autobiography should resemble a novel. The narrative grows in the author’s voice. By the last sentence, the entire painstaking process of fitting each piece together will have become evident.

Helpful Tip: Don’t be afraid to hire a ghostwriter.

Writing an autobiography does not necessarily entail producing words. In fact, it is quite common for autobiographers to hire a ghostwriter to help produce a final volume.

In those cases, the author’s voice is still present in the narrative. The difference lies in employing the assistance of a professional writer to facilitate the process. After all, not everyone has the time, skills, or experience to produce a full-length book.

The most important consideration is to portray the subject as realistically as possible. As a result, ghostwriters should not take any creative license. The subject’s voice, personality, and character must be present at all times.

Often, ghostwriters conduct interviews to gain a clear understanding of the subject. Then, multiple revisions ensure the subject’s true character emerges on every page.

Therefore, the subject ought to be present throughout the entire process. Otherwise, the book will shift from an autobiography to a biography.

Additionally, ghostwriters may take a collection of journals or memoirs and articulate them into a single narrative. This approach would constitute an autobiography as the writing help mainly focuses on editing rather than creating.

Writing an autobiography may seem like a daunting task at first. However, there is no reason why anyone should hold back. After all, there are countless individuals out there with extraordinary stories to tell.

There are plenty of reasons why anyone ought to pen their story. It is just a matter of allowing the creative juices to flow freely. And, if necessary, enlisting a professional ghostwriter to aid in the writing process.

The outcome will indeed have a lasting impact on people across generations to come.

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2 thoughts on “ 9 Reasons Why You Should Write an Autobiography ”

I want to read autobiographies. But first I want to understand why people write them. Providing a legacy for a future generation honestly seems worth it.

We couldn’t agree more!

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What is the purpose of biography and autobiography?

Table of Contents

• 1 What is the purpose of biography and autobiography?
• 2 What is the author’s purpose of writing an autobiography?
• 3 What are some good topics for an autobiography?
• 4 Can you write an autobiography for a college paper?

The purpose of writing a biography is to introduce and inform the readers about the person and his life whereas an autobiography is written in order to express, the life experiences and achievements of the narrator.

What is the author’s purpose of writing an autobiography?

Author’s Purpose: The author’s intent to inform or teach someone about something, to entertain people, or to persuade or convince the audience to do or not do something. Autobiography: The story of a person’s life written by himself or herself.

What makes an autobiography a autobiography?

Simply put, a biography is the life history of an individual, written by someone else. An autobiography is the story of a person’s life, written by that person.

What is the purpose of writing an autobiography?

What are some good topics for an autobiography?

Can you write an autobiography for a college paper.

Where do you put the title in an autobiography?

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Reading Skills

Analyzing author’s purpose and point of view.

• The Albert Team
• Last Updated On: June 16, 2023

Introduction

Do you ever wonder why writers write the way they do? Why they pick certain words or tell a story in a specific way? The reason behind this is called the author’s purpose and point of view. It’s like a secret code that helps you understand what they really mean.

In this blog post, we’ll learn about this secret code. You’ll learn to figure out what an author is trying to say, and how they see the world. This will help you understand books, articles, and even posts on social media even better!

What is the Author’s Point of View?

When you read a text, it’s important to think about the author’s point of view. The author’s point of view refers to their unique perspective, opinions, beliefs, and biases that shape how they present information or tell a story. They might see things in a way that’s different from you because of their own experiences, beliefs, and backgrounds.

Understanding an author’s point of view allows us to dig deeper into the underlying motivations and intentions behind their words. It can also help you find hidden messages in the text. So, how do we figure out an author’s point of view? Let’s talk about some ways to do this.

How to Determine the Author’s Point of View

You might think figuring out an author’s point of view is hard, but it can be fun, like solving a mystery! Here are some tips to help you do it:

• Look at the Words : Notice the words the author uses. Are they showing strong feelings or opinions? The way they write can give you hints about what they think and feel.
• Learn About the Author : Knowing more about the author can help you understand their point of view. What kind of job do they have? Where are they from? What are some important things that have happened to them?
• Think About Why the Author Wrote the Text: Why do you think the author wrote this? Do they want to teach you something, make you think, or make you laugh? Knowing this can help you understand what they’re trying to say.
• Notice Patterns: Look for ideas that come up again and again. These can tell you a lot about what the author thinks is important.
• Think About Who the Author is Writing For: Authors often write for specific groups of people. The way they write can tell you a lot about who they are trying to talk to.

Remember, figuring out an author’s point of view is about understanding the text better, not about deciding if they are right or wrong.

Why is the Author’s Point of View Important?

Why should we care about the author’s point of view? Here are some good reasons:

• Contextual Understanding : The author’s point of view helps us make sense of the text. It shows us why they chose to write the way they did and what they want us to learn.
• Uncovering Bias: No author can be totally unbiased. By understanding their point of view, we can see their own opinions in the text. This helps us think critically about what we’re reading.
• Evaluating Objectivity: Knowing the author’s point of view helps us see if the text is objective (without personal feelings) or subjective (based on personal feelings). This can help us decide if we can trust the information in the text.
• Enhancing Interpretation: Understanding the author’s point of view helps us understand what the text really means. We can see what arguments the author is making and think more deeply about the text.
• Encouraging Empathy and Perspective: By seeing things from the author’s point of view, we can better understand people who are different from us. This helps us be more understanding and open-minded.

As you can see, knowing the author’s point of view helps us understand and think about what we read in a deeper way. It makes us better readers and thinkers!

How to Determine the Author’s Purpose

In addition to analyzing the author’s point of view, it is also key to examine the author’s purpose. Here are some tips to help you figure out the author’s purpose:

• Check the Type of Text: Look at what kind of text it is. Is it a story, a news article, or maybe an essay? This can give you clues about why the author wrote it.
• Look at the Words and Tone: Pay attention to the words the author uses and how they write. If they use a lot of emotion, they might be trying to persuade you. If they give a lot of facts, they’re probably trying to inform you.
• Think About Who It’s Written For: Who is the author writing for? For example, a text for experts might be trying to give new information, while a text for kids might be trying to teach something in a fun way.
• Look for Main Ideas: What are the big ideas in the text? What is the author trying to say? This can give you a hint about why they wrote it.
• Check for Facts or Stories: Does the author use a lot of facts and data? Or do they tell stories? This can also help you figure out the author’s purpose.
• Think About the Time and Place: When and where was the text written? Sometimes, this can tell you a lot about why the author wrote the text.

Remember, you might not always see the author’s purpose right away. But if you look closely, you can usually find clues that will help you figure it out.

How Text Structure Contributes to the Author’s Purpose

Text structure, or the way a text is put together, plays a significant role in conveying the author’s purpose and shaping the overall message of a written piece. The way a text is organized and structured can greatly influence how the information is presented and how the reader engages with it. Here are some ways that text structure contributes to the author’s purpose

• Order of Ideas: Authors choose how to order their ideas for a reason. They might use a time order, cause and effect, or compare and contrast to help get their point across.
• Important Points Stand Out: Authors use things like headings or bullet points to show important ideas. This can tell us what the author thinks is most important.
• Storytelling Techniques: In stories, authors might play with the order of events, use flashbacks, or tell the story from different viewpoints. This can make the story more interesting or help make a point.
• Persuasion Techniques: If the author is trying to convince you of something, they will present their arguments in a careful order. They might present a problem, then give evidence, then propose a solution.
• Easy to Follow: A well-organized text is easier to understand. The way the author organizes the text can help you follow their ideas and understand what they want to say.

By looking at how a text is structured, you can get a better idea of what the author’s purpose is. So, next time you read something, pay attention to how it’s put together!

Classroom Application: What is the Author’s Purpose in this Passage?

Analyzing the author’s purpose becomes more engaging and relatable when you can apply your skills to historical speeches. One exemplary text for this exercise is Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address. Use this step-by-step guide to  analyze the author’s purpose in this significant piece of writing:

Step 1: Background Research:

First, start by gathering some background information about Abraham Lincoln, his presidency, and the context of the Second Inaugural Address. Learn about the Civil War and how it impacted the nation during that time.

Step 2: Reading and Annotation:

Next, read the Second Inaugural Address carefully, highlighting or underlining key statements and phrases. Take note of any repeated themes or arguments and mark moments where Lincoln’s perspective or tone seems particularly important.

Step 3: Identifying the Type of Text:

Consider the type of text you are analyzing, which is a presidential inauguration speech. Think about the common purposes associated with such speeches, like inspiring unity, expressing gratitude, or outlining a vision for the nation.

Step 4: Analyzing Language and Tone:

Pay close attention to Lincoln’s choice of language and tone throughout the address. Look for emotional or persuasive language and note instances of unity, humility, or calls for reconciliation. Consider how these choices contribute to Lincoln’s purpose.

Step 5: Reflecting on Historical Context:

Think about the historical context surrounding the Second Inaugural Address. For example, you could reflect on the divided nation during the Civil War and how it affected Lincoln’s presidency. Then, connect these historical events to Lincoln’s purpose in addressing the nation during such a critical time.

Step 6: Identifying Key Statements and Arguments:

Identify the central statements and arguments made by Lincoln in the address. Consider how these statements reflect his purpose and the message he wanted to convey. Think critically about the implications of these arguments.

Step 7: Considering the Audience:

Reflect on the intended audience of the Second Inaugural Address, which includes both supporters and opponents of Lincoln. Analyze how Lincoln’s purpose might have been influenced by this diverse audience and how he aimed to unite the nation through his words.

Step 8: Drawing Conclusions:

Based on the evidence you gathered from the text analysis and understanding of the historical context, draw conclusions about Lincoln’s purpose in delivering the Second Inaugural Address. Make sure to support your conclusions with evidence from the text.

Step 9: Classroom Discussion and Reflection:

Finally, wrap up by participating in a classroom discussion, where you can share your analysis and engage in thoughtful reflection. Compare and contrast interpretations with your classmates to deepen your understanding of the author’s purpose and the complexities of historical texts.

By following these steps to analyze Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address, you’ll develop critical thinking skills, gain historical understanding, and appreciate the power of language in shaping significant historical events. This assignment will enhance your ability to analyze texts and provide you with a deeper insight into the intentions of historical figures like Abraham Lincoln.

Analyzing an author’s purpose and point of view is a skill that empowers you to unlock the hidden meanings within texts. By understanding why authors write the way they do and recognizing their unique perspectives, you can gain valuable insights into the world of written communication. 

Practice Makes Perfect

Albert provides engaging practice questions for key skills like analyzing the author’s purpose as well as a wide range of texts for students to analyze and interpret. For more practice with the skills covered in this post, check out our Author’s Purpose questions in our Short Readings course, which uses short passages to reinforce fundamental reading skills. Readers at all ability levels may enjoy our  Leveled Readings  course, which offers Lexile® leveled passages focused on a unifying essential question that keeps all students on the same page regardless of reading level. Learn more about the Lexile Framework  here !

With our easy-to-use interface and informative feedback, Albert.io is the perfect tool for learning how to determine the author’s purpose and point of view and helping students develop a deeper understanding of the texts they encounter.

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Exploring elements of biography and autobiography, lesson plan.

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• Grade Levels 6th Grade
• Related Academic Standards CC.1.2.6.D Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text and explain how it is conveyed in the text. CC.1.2.6.E Analyze the author’s structure through the use of paragraphs, chapters, or sections.
• Assessment Anchors E06.B-C.2 Craft and Structure
• Eligible Content E06.B-C.2.1.1 Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text and explain how it is conveyed in the text. E06.B-C.2.1.2 Analyze how a particular sentence, paragraph, chapter, section, or text feature fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the ideas.
• Competencies

In this lesson, students will learn the elements of biography and autobiography. Students will:

• determine what information is included in biographies and autobiographies.
• identify the text structure used in biographies and autobiographies and explain why it is used.
• compare/contrast the use of point of view and text structure in biographies and autobiographies.

Essential Questions

• How do readers know what to believe in what they read, hear, and view?
• How do strategic readers create meaning from informational and literary text?
• Author’s Purpose: The author’s intent to inform or teach someone about something, to entertain people, or to persuade or convince the audience to do or not do something.
• Autobiography: The story of a person’s life written by himself or herself.
• Biography: The story of a person’s life written by someone other than the subject of the work.
• Point of View: The perspective from which a story is told or information is presented.
• First Person: The “first-person” or “personal” point of view relates events as they are perceived by a single character. This character “tells” the story and may offer opinions about the action and characters that differ from those of the author.
• Third Person: A perspective in literature, the “third-person” point of view presents the events of the story from outside of any single character’s perception, much like the omniscient point of view, but the reader must understand the action as it takes place and without any special insight into characters’ minds or motivations.
• Text Structure: The author’s method of organizing a text.

45–90 minutes/1–2 class periods

Prerequisite Skills

• Biography/Autobiography Graphic Organizer ( L-6-4-3_Biography Autobiography Graphic Organizer.doc )
• Henry Ford (Rookie Biographies) by Wil Mara. Children’s Press, 2004.
• Amelia Earhart (Graphic Biography) by Saddleback Educational Publishing, 2008.
• A Picture Book of Harriet Tubman by David A. Adler. Holiday House Inc., 1993.
• A Picture Book of Harry Houdini by David A. Adler and Michael S. Adler. Holiday House Inc., 2010.
• http://gardenofpraise.com/leaders.htm
• http://www.pitara.com/magazine/people.asp
• Knots in My Yo-yo String: The Autobiography of a Kid by Jerry Spinelli. Alfred A. Knopf, 1998. This autobiography is appropriate to read to the class.

Additional examples include the following:

• It Came From Ohio! My Life as a Writer by R.L. Stine. Scholastic Paperbacks, 1998.
• Bill Peet: An Autobiography by Bill Peet. Sandpiper, 1994.
• The Abracadabra Kid: A Writer’s Life by Sid Fleischman. Greenwillow Books, 1996.

Related Unit and Lesson Plans

• Exploring Components of Nonfiction
• Exploring Ways Authors Use Text Structures to Convey Meaning
• Exploring Elements of Informational Nonfiction

Related Materials & Resources

The possible inclusion of commercial websites below is not an implied endorsement of their products, which are not free, and are not required for this lesson plan.

Formative Assessment

The goal of this lesson is to build on students’ understanding of the elements of biography and autobiography.

• To assess students’ grasp of the concepts, observe students during their discussions with partners. Evaluate students’ ability to do the following:
• Identify the elements of biography and autobiography.
• Compare similarities and differences between biography and autobiography.
• Identify the text structure authors use in biographies and autobiographies and explain why they use it.

Suggested Instructional Supports

Instructional procedures.

Focus Questions: What are the elements of biographies and autobiographies? How are they alike and how are they different?

Say, “Today we are going to look at biographies. What is a biography?” ( the story of a person’s life written by someone else )

Assign one short biography for each student or group of students to read. Ask students to make notes about the kinds of information about the person that are included in the biography. Have students discuss their notes with a partner.

As a class, discuss the elements of a biography. Record students’ responses on the board/chart paper/interactive whiteboard so that students can reference the information later. Key details and events should include the following:

• date and place of birth
• information about family and childhood
• achievements
• major events in his/her life
• why s/he is important

Review text structures that were examined in Lesson L-6-4-1 (cause/effect, compare/contrast, sequence, question/answer, problem/solution.  Ask, “What text structure is generally used in biographies?” (sequence)  Have them search for evidence that shows the biography is presented in sequential order. Ask, “Why do you think an author uses sequence in a biography?” (to tell the events of a person’s life in order)

Review point of view and discuss its use in a biography. Lead students to discover that biographies are written in third person. Have students cite evidence of third-person point of view from the biography they read (i.e., use of pronouns he, she, or they ).

Have students trade biographies with someone who read a different one. Ask students to read the new biography and fill in the Biography/Autobiography Graphic Organizer ( L-6-4-3_Biography Autobiography Graphic Organizer.doc ). Then have students compare answers and revise if necessary.

Ask students, “What is an autobiography?” ( the story of a person’s life written by the person )

Read aloud a short autobiography or an excerpt from a longer autobiography, such as Knots in My Yo-yo String: The Autobiography of a Kid . Ask, “What difference do you notice between an autobiography and a biography?” ( An autobiography is written in first person .) Have students cite evidence from the reading to support their answer (i.e., use of pronouns I or we ). Guide students to see how the first person point of view in an autobiography helps readers understand how the narrator feels about events. Ask them to find evidence of this in the autobiography.

Have students work in pairs or small groups to read an autobiography and fill in the Biography/Autobiography Graphic Organizer ( L-6-4-3_Biography Autobiography Graphic Organizer.doc ).

Discuss the similarities between biographies and autobiographies. (Both have the same kinds of information, such as dates, information about childhood and family, achievements, and major events.) Help students see that both use the same text structure, sequential order.

For students who need additional practice differentiating biographies from autobiographies, provide scaffolding, such as “Is the book written from the first-person or third-person point of view?”

Students who need additional opportunities for learning may do one of the following activities:

• Work in a small group to identify the elements of a biography in one of the books from the Materials list or another biography from the classroom library. Use highlighter tape or sticky notes to mark the elements in the book.
• Use the Biography/Autobiography Graphic Organizer to gather information about a classmate’s life. Then write a short biography of the classmate based on the information.

Students who are ready to go beyond the standards may do one of the following activities:

• Research a famous person and write a biography about that person, using the Biography/Autobiography Graphic Organizer to gather and organize the information.
• Write an autobiography, using the Biography/Autobiography Graphic Organizer to collect and organize the information.

Related Instructional Videos

The Author’s Purpose for students and teachers

What Is The Author’s Purpose?

When discussing the author’s purpose, we refer to the ‘why’ behind their writing. What motivated the author to produce their work? What is their intent, and what do they hope to achieve?

The author’s purpose is the reason they decided to write about something in the first place.

There are many reasons a writer puts pen to paper, and students must possess the necessary tools to identify these reasons and intents to react and respond appropriately.

Understanding why authors write is essential for students to navigate the complex landscape of texts effectively. The concept of author’s purpose encompasses the motivations behind a writer’s choice of words, style, and structure. By teaching students to discern these purposes, educators empower them to engage critically with various forms of literature and non-fiction.

Author’s Purpose Definition

The author’s purpose is his or her motivation for writing a text and their intent to Persuade, Inform, Entertain, Explain or Describe something to an audience.

Author’s Purpose Examples and Types

It is universally accepted there are three base categories of the Author’s Purpose: To Persuade, To Inform , and To Entertain . These can easily be remembered with the PIE acronym and should be the starting point on this topic. However, you may also encounter other subcategories depending on who you ask.

This table provides many author’s purpose examples, and we will cover the first five in detail in this article.

Author’s Purpose Teaching Unit

Teach your students ALL ASPECTS of the Author’s Purpose with this fully EDITABLE 63-page Teaching Unit.

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Author’s Purpose 1: To Persuade

Definition: This is a prevalent purpose of writing, particularly in nonfiction. When a text is written to persuade, it aims to convince the reader of the merits of a particular point of view . In this type of writing, the author attempts to persuade the reader to agree with this point of view and/or subsequently take a particular course of action. 

Examples: This purpose can be found in all kinds of writing. It can even be in fiction writing when the author has an agenda, consciously or unconsciously. However, it is most commonly the motivation behind essays, advertisements, and political writing, such as speech and propaganda.

Persuasion is commonly also found in…

• A political speech urges voters to support a particular candidate by presenting arguments for their suitability for the position, policies, and record of achievements.
• An advertisement for a new product that emphasizes its unique features and benefits over competing products, attempting to convince consumers to choose it over alternatives.
• A letter to the editor of a newspaper expressing a strong opinion on a controversial issue and attempting to persuade others to adopt a similar position by presenting compelling evidence and arguments.

How to Identify: To identify when the author’s purpose is to persuade, students should ask themselves if they feel the writer is trying to get them to believe something or take a specific action. They should learn to identify the various tactics and strategies used in persuasive writing, such as repetition, multiple types of supporting evidence, hyperbole, attacking opposing viewpoints, forceful phrases, emotive imagery, and photographs.

We have a complete persuasive writing guide if you want to learn more.

Strategies for being a more PERSUASIVE writer

To become a persuasive writer, students can employ several strategies to convey their arguments and influence their readers effectively. Here are five strategies for persuasive writing:

• Understand Your Audience: Know your target audience and tailor your persuasive arguments to appeal to their interests, values, and beliefs. Consider their potential objections and address them in your writing. Understanding your audience helps you create a more compelling and persuasive piece.
• Use Strong Evidence and Examples: Support your claims with credible evidence, statistics, and real-life examples. Persuasive writing relies on logic and facts to support your arguments. Conduct research to find reliable sources that strengthen your case and make your writing more convincing.
• Craft a Persuasive Structure: Organize your writing clearly and persuasively. Start with a compelling introduction that grabs the reader’s attention and states your main argument. Use body paragraphs to present evidence and supporting points logically. Finish with a strong conclusion that reinforces your main message and calls the reader to take action or adopt your viewpoint.
• Appeal to Emotions: Persuasive writing is not just about logic; emotions are crucial in influencing readers. Use emotional appeals to connect with your audience and evoke empathy, sympathy, or excitement. Be careful not to manipulate emotions but use them to reinforce your argument authentically.
• Anticipate Counterarguments: Acknowledge and address potential counterarguments to show that you have considered different perspectives. By addressing opposing viewpoints, you demonstrate that you have thoroughly thought about the issue and strengthen your credibility as a persuasive writer.

Bonus Tip: Use Persuasive Language: Pay attention to your choice of words and language. Use compelling language that evokes a sense of urgency or importance. Employ rhetorical devices, such as repetition, analogy, and rhetorical questions, to make your writing more persuasive and memorable.

Please encourage students to practice these strategies in their writing in formal essays and everyday persuasive situations. By mastering persuasive writing techniques, students can effectively advocate for their ideas, inspire change, and have a greater impact with their words.

Author’s Purpose 2: To Inform

Definition: When an author aims to inform, they usually wish to enlighten their readership about a real-world topic. Often, they will do this by providing lots of facts. Informational texts impart information to the reader to educate them on a given topic. 

Examples: Many types of school books are written with the express purpose of informing the reader, such as encyclopedias, recipe books, newspapers and informative texts…

• A news article reporting on a recent event or development provides factual details about what happened, who was involved, and where and when it occurred.
• A scientific journal article describes a research study’s findings, explaining the methodology, results, and implications for further analysis or practical application.
• A travel guidebook that provides detailed information about a particular destination, including its history, culture, attractions, accommodation options, and practical advice for visitors.

How to Identify: In the process of informing the reader, the author will use facts, which is one surefire way to spot the intent to inform.

However, when the author’s purpose is persuasion, they will also likely provide the reader with some facts to convince them of the merits of their particular case. The main difference between the two ways facts are employed is that when the intention is to inform, facts are presented only to teach the reader. When the author aims to persuade, they commonly mask their opinions amid the facts.

Students must become adept at recognizing ‘hidden’ opinions through practice. Teach your students to beware of persuasion masquerading as information!

Please read our complete guide to learn more about writing an information report.

Strategies for being a more INFORMATIVE writer

To become an informative writer, students can employ several strategies to effectively convey information and knowledge clearly and engagingly. Here are five strategies for informative writing:

• Conduct Thorough Research: Before writing, gather information from credible sources such as books, academic journals, reputable websites, and expert interviews. Use reliable data and evidence to support your points. Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of your information is essential in informative writing.
• Organize Information Logically: Structure your writing clearly and logically. Use headings, subheadings, and bullet points to organize information into easily digestible chunks. A well-structured piece helps readers understand complex topics more quickly.
• Use Clear and Concise Language: Aim for clarity and avoid unnecessary jargon or complex language that might confuse your readers. Use simple and concise sentences to deliver information effectively. Make sure to define any technical terms or concepts unfamiliar to your audience.
• Provide Real-Life Examples: Illustrate your points with real-life examples, case studies, or anecdotes. Concrete examples make abstract concepts more understandable and relatable. They also help to keep the reader engaged throughout the piece.
• Incorporate Visual Aids: Whenever possible, use visual aids such as charts, graphs, diagrams, and images to complement your text. Visual elements enhance understanding and retention of information. Be sure to explain the significance of each visual aid in your writing.

Bonus Tip: Practice Summarization: After completing informative writing, practice summarizing the main points. Being able to summarize your work concisely reinforces your understanding of the topic and helps you identify any gaps in your information.

Encourage students to practice these strategies in various writing tasks, such as research papers, reports, and explanatory essays. By mastering informative writing techniques, students can effectively educate their readers, share knowledge, and contribute meaningfully to their academic and professional pursuits.

Author’s Purpose 3: To Entertain

Definition: When an author’s chief purpose is to entertain the reader, they will endeavour to keep things as interesting as possible. Things happen in books written to entertain, whether in an action-packed plot , inventive characterizations, or sharp dialogue.

Examples: Not surprisingly, much fiction is written to entertain, especially genre fiction. For example, we find entertaining examples in science fiction, romance, and fantasy.

Here are some more entertaining texts to consider.

• A novel that tells a compelling story engages the reader’s emotions and imagination through vivid characters, evocative settings, and unexpected twists and turns.
• A comedy television script that uses humour and wit to amuse the audience, often by poking fun at everyday situations or societal norms.
• A stand-up comedy routine that relies on the comedian’s storytelling ability and comedic timing to entertain the audience, often by commenting on current events or personal experiences.

How to Identify: When writers attempt to entertain or amuse the reader, they use various techniques to engage their attention. They may employ cliffhangers at the end of a chapter, for example. They may weave humour into their story or even have characters tell jokes. In the case of a thriller, an action-packed scene may follow an action-packed scene as the drama builds to a crescendo. Think of the melodrama of a soap opera here rather than the subtle touch of an arthouse masterpiece.

Strategies for being a more ENTERTAINING writer

To become an entertaining writer, students can use several strategies to captivate their readers and keep them engaged. Here are five effective techniques:

• Use Humor: Inject humour to tickle the reader’s funny bone. Incorporate witty remarks, funny anecdotes, or clever wordplay. Humour lightens the tone of your writing and makes it enjoyable to read. However, be mindful of your audience and ensure your humour is appropriate and relevant to the topic.
• Create Engaging Characters: Whether you’re writing a story, essay, or any other type of content, develop compelling and relatable characters. Readers love connecting with well-developed characters with distinct personalities, flaws, and strengths. Use descriptive language to bring them to life and make them memorable.
• Craft Intriguing Beginnings: Grab your reader’s attention from the very first sentence. Start with a compelling hook that sparks curiosity or creates intrigue. An exciting beginning sets the tone for the rest of the piece and encourages the reader to continue reading.
• Build Suspense and Surprise: Incorporate twists, turns, and surprises into your writing to keep readers on their toes. Building suspense creates anticipation and makes readers eager to discover what happens next. Surprise them with unexpected plot developments or revelations to keep them engaged throughout the piece.
• Use Imagery and Vivid Descriptions : Paint vivid pictures with your words to immerse readers in your writing. Use sensory language and descriptive imagery to transport them to different places, evoke emotions, and create a multisensory experience. Readers love to feel like they’re part of the story, and vivid descriptions help achieve that.

Bonus Tip: Read Widely and Analyze: To become an entertaining writer, read a variety of books, articles, and pieces from different genres and authors. Pay attention to the elements that make their writing engaging and entertaining. Analyze their use of humour, character development, suspense, and descriptions. Learning from the work of accomplished writers can inspire and improve your own writing.

By using these strategies and practising regularly, students can become more entertaining writers, captivating their audience and making their writing a joy to read. Remember, the key to entertaining writing is engaging your readers and leaving them with a positive and memorable experience.

Author’s Purpose 4: To Explain

Definition: When writers write to explain, they want to tell the reader how to do something or reveal how something works. This type of writing is about communicating a method or a process.

Examples: Writing to explain can be found in instructions, step-by-step guides, procedural outlines, and recipes such as these…

• A user manual explaining how to operate a piece of machinery or a technical device provides step-by-step instructions and diagrams to help users understand the process.
• A textbook chapter that explains a complex scientific or mathematical concept breaks it into simpler components and provides examples and illustrations to aid comprehension.
• A how-to guide that explains how to complete a specific task or achieve a particular outcome, such as cooking a recipe, gardening, or home repair. It provides a list of materials, step-by-step instructions, and tips to ensure success.

  How to Identify:   Often, this writing is organized into bulleted or numbered points. As it focuses on telling the reader how to do something, often lots of imperatives will be used within the writing. Diagrams and illustrations are often used to reinforce the text explanations too.

Read our complete guide to explanatory texts here.

Strategies for being a more EXPLANATORY WRITER

To become a more explanatory writer, students can employ several strategies to effectively clarify complex ideas and concepts for their readers. Here are five strategies for explanatory writing:

• Define Technical Terms: When writing about a specialized or technical topic, ensure that you define any relevant terms or jargon that might be unfamiliar to your readers. A clear and concise definition helps readers grasp the meaning of these terms and facilitates better understanding of the content.
• Use Analogies and Comparisons: Use analogies and comparisons to relate complex ideas to more familiar concepts. This technique makes abstract or difficult concepts more relatable and easier to understand. Analogies provide a frame of reference that helps readers connect new information to something they already know.
• Provide Step-by-Step Explanations: Break down complex processes or procedures into step-by-step explanations. This approach helps readers follow the sequence of events or actions and understand the logic behind each step. Use numbered lists or bullet points to make the process visually clear.
• Include Visuals and Diagrams: Supplement your explanatory writing with visual aids such as diagrams, flowcharts, or illustrations. Visuals can enhance understanding and retention of information by visually representing the concepts being discussed.
• Address “Why” and “How”: In explanatory writing, go beyond simply stating “what” happened or what a concept is. Focus on explaining “why” something occurs and “how” it works. Providing the underlying reasons and mechanisms helps readers better understand the subject matter.

Bonus Tip: Review and Revise: After completing your explanatory writing, review your work and assess whether the explanations are clear and comprehensive. Consider seeking feedback from peers or teachers to identify areas needing further clarification or expansion.

Please encourage students to practice these strategies in writing across different subjects and topics. By mastering explanatory writing techniques, students can effectively communicate complex ideas, promote better understanding, and excel academically and professionally.

Author’s Purpose 5: To Describe

Definition: Writers often use words to describe something in more detail than conveyed in a photograph alone. After all, they say a picture paints a thousand words, and text can help get us beyond the one-dimensional appearance of things.

Examples: We can find lots of descriptive writing in obvious places like short stories, novels and other forms of fiction where the writer wishes to paint a picture in the reader’s imagination. We can also find lots of writing with the purpose of description in nonfiction too – in product descriptions, descriptive essays or these text types…

• A travelogue that describes a particular place, highlighting its natural beauty, cultural attractions, and unique characteristics. The author uses sensory language to create a vivid mental picture in the reader’s mind.
• A painting analysis that describes the colors, shapes, textures, and overall impression of a particular artwork. The author uses descriptive language to evoke the emotions and ideas conveyed by the painting.
• A product review that describes the features, benefits, and drawbacks of a particular item. The author uses descriptive language to give the reader a clear sense of the product and whether it might suit their needs.

How to Identify: In the case of fiction writing which describes, the reader will notice the writer using lots of sensory details in the text. Our senses are how we perceive the world, and to describe their imaginary world, writers will draw heavily on language that appeals to these senses. In both fiction and nonfiction, readers will notice that the writer relies heavily on adjectives.

Strategies for being a more descriptive writer

Becoming a descriptive writer is a valuable skill that allows students to paint vivid pictures with words and immerse readers in their stories. Here are five strategies for students to enhance their descriptive writing:

• Sensory Language: Engage the reader’s senses by incorporating sensory language into your writing. Use descriptive adjectives, adverbs, and strong verbs to create a sensory experience for your audience. For example, instead of saying “the flower was pretty,” describe it as “the delicate, fragrant blossom with hues of vibrant pink and a velvety texture.”
• Show, Don’t Tell: Use the “show, don’t tell” technique to make your writing more descriptive and immersive. Rather than stating emotions or characteristics directly, use descriptive details and actions to show them. For instance, instead of saying “she was scared,” describe how “her heart raced, and her hands trembled as she peeked around the dark corner.”
• Use Metaphors and Similes: Integrate metaphors and similes to add depth and creativity to your descriptions. Compare two unrelated things to create a powerful visual image. For example, “the sun dipped below the horizon like a golden coin slipping into a piggy bank.”
• Focus on Setting: Pay attention to the setting of your story or narrative. Describe the environment, atmosphere, and surroundings in detail. Take the reader on a journey by clearly depicting the location. Let your words bring the setting to life, whether it’s a lush forest, a bustling city street, or a mystical castle.
• Practice Observation: Practice keen observation skills in your daily life. Take note of the world around you—the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures. Observe people, places, and objects with a writer’s eye. By developing a habit of keen observation, you’ll have a rich bank of sensory details to draw from when you write.

Bonus Tip: Revise and Edit: Good descriptive writing often comes through revision and editing. After writing a draft, go back and read your work critically. Look for opportunities to add more descriptive elements, eliminate unnecessary adjectives or cliches, and refine your language to make it more engaging.

By applying these strategies and continually honing your descriptive writing skills, you’ll be able to transport readers to new worlds, evoke emotions, and make your writing more captivating and memorable.

Free Author’s Purpose Anchor Charts & Posters

Author’s Purpose Teaching Activities

The Author’s Purpose Task 1. The Author’s Purpose Anchor Chart

Whether introducing the general idea of the author’s purpose or working on identifying the specifics of a single purpose, a pie author’s purpose anchor chart can be an excellent resource for students when working independently. Compiling the anchor chart collaboratively with the students can be an effective way for them to reconstruct and reinforce their learning.

The Author’s Purpose Task 2. Gather Real-Life Examples

Challenging students to identify and collect real-life examples of the various types of writing as homework can be a great way to get some hands-on practice. Encourage your students to gather various forms of text together indiscriminately. They then sift through them to categorize them appropriately according to their purpose. The students will soon begin to see that all writing has a purpose. You may also like to make a classroom display of the gathered texts to serve as examples.

The Author’s Purpose Task 3. DIY

One of the most effective ways for students to recognize the authorial intent behind a piece of writing is to gain experience producing writing for various purposes. Design writing tasks with this in mind. For example, if you are focused on writing to persuade, you could challenge the students to produce a script for a radio advertisement. If the focus is entertaining, you could ask the students to write a funny story.

The Author’s Purpose Task 4. Classroom Discussion

When teaching author’s purpose, organize the students into small discussion groups of, say, 4 to 5. Provide each group with copies of sample texts written for various purposes. Students should have some time to read through the texts by themselves. They then work to identify the author’s purpose, making notes as they go. Students can discuss their findings as a group.

Remember: the various purposes are not mutually exclusive; sometimes, a text has more than one purpose. It is possible to be both entertaining and informative, for example. It is essential students recognize this fact. A careful selection of texts can ensure the students can discover this for themselves.

 Students need to understand that regardless of the text they are engaged with, every piece of writing has some purpose behind it. It’s important that they work towards recognizing the various features of different types of writing that reveal to the reader just what that purpose is.

Initially, the process of learning to identify the different types of writing and their purposes will require conscious focus on the part of the student. Plenty of opportunities should be created to allow this necessary classroom practice.

However, this practice doesn’t have to be exclusively in the form of discrete lessons on the author’s purpose. Simply asking students what they think the author’s purpose is when reading any text in any context can be a great way to get the ‘reps’ in quickly and frequently.

Eventually, students will begin to recognize the author’s purpose quickly and unconsciously in the writing of others.

Ultimately, this improved comprehension of writing, in general, will benefit students in their own independent writing.

This video is an excellent introductory guide for students looking for a simple visual breakdown of the author’s purpose and how it can impact their approach to writing and assessment.

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Living on Purpose: Knowledge and obedience are not the same

It’s wonderful to be positive-minded and appreciate that God is good all the time because He is!

It’s common to seek the Lord for His protection and blessings as this usually takes up a majority of our prayer time, and it’s perfectly fine to do so. However, it’s also important to remember we are not just a spectator within the Christian life waiting for manna from heaven.

Being a participator is a very real aspect of our personal relationship with Jesus Christ that involves our responsibility to trust and obey Him. Our vow to follow God is the seldom-mentioned covenant promise we make when we call on Him to save us. If we are not passionate about becoming one with Him, it's likely we do not understand what it means.

Peter is one of the most significant characters in the New Testament and like the other followers of Jesus, we can learn valuable wisdom from them.

Yes, they were flawed and had their times of weakness (like us), but we notice that Peter did not give up. I’ve always appreciated his boldness and he reminds me of the guy who is an alpha male that wants to be the leader of the pack. We've all known people like that and reminds us that when we are weak God is strong.

This was also the case with Peter as he was the first one to declare that nothing or no one in this world could stop him from standing with Jesus and His kingdom. And yet, we see that when Christ was arrested and the heat was turned up he was facing a situation of life and death, he denied Christ three times.

Now, I’m not on the bandwagon to criticize him for being afraid. In fact, I probably would have done the same thing at that stage in my Christian life. It’s easy to brag about how spiritual we are until a sword is placed at our neck.

As Jesus was eventually crucified by the Romans who thought they were distinguishing a rebellion, Peter as one of His disciples was very familiar with this brutal torture. The thought of being nailed to a cross paralyzed him with fear. There are many lessons to learn from his life, but the good news is that he finally understood what it meant to be faithful. A disturbing thought is that I’ve been a Christian for many years and wonder if I know what it truly means. Foxes Book of Martyrs is a sobering resource that reveals what going all the way for Christ is all about.

After Peter’s early failures, we see him preaching at Pentecost as he continued to progress into a spiritual powerhouse, and eventually was given another chance to stand with or deny Jesus. This time he did not hesitate. According to historical writers in the second century, his execution was ordered by Emperor Nero, who blamed the Christians for a devastating fire that had ravaged Rome. They record that Peter requested to be crucified upside down, as he felt unworthy to die in the same manner as his Lord. By this time it was clear that his love for Jesus went far beyond being a security guard for the Messiah's earthly kingdom. He knew Christ was the Son of God who created all things and was the Alpha and Omega, the Almighty Master and Judge of all.

He was no longer afraid of what man could do, he was only focused on the one whose grace was immeasurable and whose mercy endures forever.

You see, the average Christian has read and heard Bible verses which is wonderful.

What we try to avoid is explaining why they mean nothing to us. Excuse me? Of course, we embrace all the promises of chocolate cake, but when it comes to us demonstrating our obedience to His sacrificial demands we try to change the subject. The problem is not the lack of Bible knowledge, it’s believing it enough to live by it. Understanding information and exercising it are two different things.

The modernized gospel message is presented as a simple and painless invitation to accept eternal life in heaven.

Yes, the church attendance numbers are larger but is God pleased with everyone who declares they are religious? Remember the Pharisee’s?

The Lord would rather have someone understand one command and be committed to living it than for the whole world to memorize the Bible and live however they want.

Dr. Billy Holland is a minister, chaplain and author. Read more about the Christian life at billyhollandministries.com .

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Bestselling novelist Paul Auster, author of 'The New York Trilogy,' dies at 77

"You think it will never happen to you," Paul Auster wrote about aging and mortality in his 2012 book Winter Journal. He's pictured above in New York in April 2007. Nicholas Roberts/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

"You think it will never happen to you," Paul Auster wrote about aging and mortality in his 2012 book Winter Journal. He's pictured above in New York in April 2007.

Best-selling author Paul Auster, whose novels addressed existential questions of identity, language, and literature and created mysteries that raised more questions than they answered, has died. He was 77.

His death was confirmed by friend Jacki Lyden on behalf of Auster's family.

A leading figure in his generation of postmodern American writers, Auster wrote more than 20 novels, including The New York Trilogy , which included his 1985 breakthrough book, City of Glass, and his ambitious 2017 novel 4 3 2 1, which ran close to 1,000 pages.

"I think he was a really exciting and compelling voice of his generation," says Alys Moody, a professor who teaches postwar American literature. "Auster will be remembered for being one of the leading figures in a post-modern tradition that's reimagining how central language is, and how central writing is, and how central above all storytelling is."

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Auster was born in 1947 in Newark, N.J., to Jewish middle-class parents of Austrian descent. After he graduated from Columbia University with undergraduate and Master's degrees, he moved to Paris. There, he supported himself by translating French literature. Auster returned to the United States in 1974, part of a disillusioned generation. In a private 1992 interview with me, he said his novel Leviathan was about a character much like himself: "Someone filled with a kind of idealistic hope about what could be done about the future of the country and the world, who saw all these dreams bit by bit be dismantled by subsequent political events."

In his 20s, Auster published his own essays, poems, and translations. A strange event in 1980 led to his first novel.

"I was living alone in Brooklyn. And I did receive a telephone call," he recalled. "And the person on the other end asked if he had reached the Pinkerton Agency. And, of course, I said no and hung up. But after the second or third time, I said, well, what if I said Yes? And that was the genesis of the novel."

The story of that novel, City of Glass, is set in motion when the main character, a detective fiction writer named Quinn, gets a late night phone call:

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"I would like to speak to Mr. Paul Auster." "There's no one here by that name." "Paul Auster. Of the Auster Detective Agency." "I'm sorry," said Quinn. "You must have the wrong number." "This is a matter of utmost urgency," said the voice. "There's nothing I can do for you," said Quinn. "There is no Paul Auster here." "You don't understand," said the voice. "Time is running out."

The writer in the novel takes on the identity of the detective, who sets out to solve the mystery of "what is reality?" He was sometimes criticized for the bizarre coincidences in his work, but the events of his life, he said, outstripped the implausibility in his fiction.

"When I was about 13 or 14 years old and, I was off at a summer camp, and we got caught in a storm. And a boy standing next to me was killed by a bolt of lightning. Dropped dead. Struck down by the sky. I think maybe that informs my work more than any book I have ever read," he explained.

4 lives in parallel run through ambitious '4 3 2 1'

1 character, 4 different lives in paul auster's '4 3 2 1', 1 character, 4 different lives in paul auster's '4 3 2 1'.

Auster also wrote and co-directed a handful of independent films. He was never at a loss for words. In 2017, he published an 880-page novel called 4 3 2 1 that told the story of one main character in four different versions, in alternating chapters. When he finished that book, he decided to take a break from fiction, so he began writing a 780-page biography of 19 th century author Stephen Crane.

"I have tried in my books to turn myself inside out as much as possible," he said. "And not to hide behind style, tricks — whatever you might call it."

Auster, whose literary influences included Franz Kafka and Samuel Beckett, will be remembered for the purity of his language, and the seriousness of his intent.

Correction May 1, 2024

An earlier version of this story indicated that Paul Auster was born in 1937. He was born in 1947.

• City of Glass
• New York City writers