Autobiography - Examples and Definition of Autobiography

Definition of Autobiography
Autobiography is one sort of biography, which tells a existence tale of its author, meaning it's far a written report of the writer’s lifestyles. Rather than being written by using anyone else, an autobiography comes via the person’s very own pen, in his very own words. Some autobiographies are written within the shape of a fictional tale; as novels or stories that carefully mirror activities from the writer’s real lifestyles. Such testimonies encompass Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield, and J.D Salinger’s The Catcher inside the Rye. In writing approximately private experience, one discovers himself. Therefore, it is not merely a collection of anecdotes – it's far a revelation to the readers about author’s self-discovery.

Difference between Autobiography and Memoir
In an autobiography, the writer tries to capture vital factors of his life. He not most effective deals together with his career, and increase as a person, he also makes use of feelings and data related to family existence, relationships, education, travels, sexuality, and any kinds of inner struggles. A memoir is a record of memories, and unique events which have taken place in the author’s life. In fact, it is the telling of a story or an occasion from his existence; an account that doesn't tell the full report of a life.

Examples of Autobiography in Literature
Example #1: The Box: Tales from the Darkroom (by way of Gunter Grass)
A noble laureate and novelist, Gunter Grass, has shown a brand new angle of self-examination by way of blending up his cover of fictionalized technique in his autobiographical ebook, “The Box: Tales from the Darkroom.” Adopting the man or woman factor of view of each of his children, Grass narrates what his children consider him as their father and a writer. Though it's miles simply an experimental technique, due to Grass’ linguistic creativity and dexterity, it gains an captivating momentum.

Example #2: The Story of My Life (with the aid of Helen Keller)
In her autobiography, The Story of My Life, Helen Keller recounts her first twenty years, beginning with the occasions of the childhood infection that left her deaf and blind. In her childhood, a writer sent her a letter and prophesied, “Someday you'll write a splendid tale out of your own head with a purpose to be a consolation and help to many.”

In this book, Keller mentions prominent historical personalities, which includes Alexander Graham Bell, whom she met on the age of six, and with whom she remained friends for numerous years. Keller paid a visit to John Greenleaf Whittier, a well-known American poet, and shared correspondence with different eminent figures, which includes Oliver Wendell Holmes, and Mrs. Grover Cleveland. Generally, Keller’s autobiography is set overcoming remarkable obstacles via difficult work and pain.

Example #3: Self Portraits: Fictions (by Frederic Tuten)
In his autobiography, “Self Portraits: Fictions,” Frederic Tuten has mixed fringes of romantic existence with reality. Like postmodern writers, along with Jorge Luis Borges, and Italo Calvino, the testimonies of Tuten pass between fact and imagination, time and vicinity, with out warning. He has performed the equal together with his autobiography, wherein readers are eager to move thru fanciful memories approximately train rides, circus bears, and secrets and techniques to a happy marriage; all of which give readers glimpses of the actual man.

Example #4: My Prizes (by Thomas Bernhard)
Reliving his success of his literary career through the lens of the various prizes he has received, Thomas Bernhard offers a sarcastic remark in his autobiography, “My Prizes.” Bernhard, in fact, has taken few matters too seriously. Rather, he has considered his lifestyles as a farcical theatrical drama unfolding round him. Although Bernhard is glad with the life-style and status of being an author, his blasé attitude and scathing wit make this recollection greater charmingly dissident and hilarious.

Example #5: The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin (through Benjamin Franklin)
“The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin” is written via one of the founding fathers of the United States. This ebook reveals Franklin’s youth, his ideas, and his days of adversity and prosperity. He is one of the satisfactory examples dwelling the American dream – sharing the idea that you could gain monetary independence, and reach a wealthy life thru tough work.

Function
Through autobiography, authors can communicate without delay to their readers, and to their descendants. The function of the autobiography is to go away a legacy for its readers. By writing an autobiography, the individual shares his triumphs and defeats, and lessons learned, permitting readers to relate and feel motivated by using inspirational stories. Life testimonies bridge the space between peoples of differing ages and backgrounds, forging connections between old and new generations.