3 An Introduction to Reading Biographical Texts

Borrowed Shoes

 The field of literary studies will introduce you to a wide world of storytelling. Among these, biographical texts are distinct, connecting personal stories to the historical and chronological context of a person’s lifetime. As the old saying goes, “Don’t judge someone until you walk a mile in their shoes,” and metaphorically, biographies are those shoes, providing you with the opportunity to explore a subject’s life from a more intimate, personal point of view. Through biographical texts, often told in the person’s own words, we gain a detailed understanding of the experiences and influences that shape individuals and their journeys. These texts play a vital role in preserving history, helping us to understand cultural and social dynamics, and providing us with inspiration from prominent figures.

A closer look into the genre reveals some prevalent themes. Beyond theme exploration, biographical texts teach the art of narrative writing, drawing parallels between personal anecdotes, insights, and historical contexts. By analyzing biographical texts, you will gain a deeper understanding of narrative structure, character development, and the effective use of detail and description in storytelling (Brooks). This reading aims to showcase some of the diverse forms that biographical texts can take to provide an account of someone’s life. With this in mind, let’s look at some of the most common genres.

Common Biographical Genres

Biographies: Biographies offer in-depth insights into an individual’s life, written from an external perspective in the third person. They cover various aspects such as the person’s upbringing, accomplishments, challenges, and influence on the world. Authors typically provide contextualization for events that require readers to understand the historical and cultural backdrop. For instance, in Benjamin Franklin: An American Life, author Walter Isaacson details Franklin’s journey from his humble start as the son of a Boston candle maker to his significant impact on American history. The book spans Franklin’s early years, his scientific and literary contributions, his political and diplomatic endeavors during the American Revolution, and his crucial role in shaping foundational documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Isaacson’s biography draws upon a wide range of primary and secondary sources to construct a meticulous portrait of Benjamin Franklin’s life.

Autobiographies: Autobiographies are personal narratives where the subject recounts their own life story in the first person. In The Autobiography of Malcolm X, for example, readers gain insight into Malcolm X’s personal growth and emotional journey. Autobiographies offer a unique perspective on historical events since they include personal interpretations, opinions, perspectives, and motivations; hence, by their nature, they are also open to subjectivity. In an autobiography, personal accounts serve to foster empathy and connection between the writer and the reader, allowing us to experience the world through their eyes. Malcolm X’s story emphasizes the possibility of personal transformation, redemption, and self-discovery, which can inspire readers to reflect on their own potential for growth and change.

Memoirs: Memoirs zoom in on specific events or periods of an author’s life, offering the reader an intimate window into their experiences. Unlike the broader scope of autobiographies, memoirs emphasize personal reflections on select events or time periods, told through a first-person perspective. For example, Barack Obama’s memoir A Promised Land offers a firsthand account of his experiences as the 44th President of the United States. Obama provides candid and introspective reflections on his personal journey, including his upbringing, political aspirations, and the impact of his presidency on his family. Authenticity is key to a compelling memoir. Readers value honesty and vulnerability, and Obama’s introspection adds depth and credibility to his narrative.

Journals: Journals and journal entries offer the reader a direct glimpse into the writer’s thoughts and emotions at specific moments in time and are generally written in first person. Journal entries document an author’s thoughts, experiences, and growth, and can provide intimate details into values and motivations. For example, in The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath, poet and author Sylvia Plath offers insights into her creative process as a writer. She does not censor her thoughts or feelings, which allows readers to witness her raw and unfiltered emotions. In addition, Plath’s journals provide psychological insights into her struggles with mental health, including her battles with depression and anxiety. Through her candid reflections on her inner demons and turmoil, readers gain an understanding of the factors that influenced Plath’s writing and ultimately contributed to her tragic death.

Profiles: Profiles are important biographical texts because they offer concise yet insightful snapshots of an individual, spotlighting notable achievements or traits. Written in the third person, they prioritize information that is pertinent to the subject’s identity and impact on society. They are common in magazines, newspapers, and web articles. For instance, a profile on Virginia Woolf highlights her struggles with mental health as well as her contributions to literary studies. This portrait mentions several of Woolf’s works and explores themes, techniques, and critical reception to further our understanding of her contributions to modernist literature and feminist discourse.

Documentaries: Documentaries are multimedia texts that incorporate audio, video, and storytelling to depict a person’s life or a significant event. They bring a narrative to life in a way that written texts alone cannot and are most frequently presented in third person. Through film footage, photographs, interviews, and reenactments, documentaries serve as valuable educational tools, offering viewers an opportunity to learn in an engaging and informative format. Documentaries have the power to reach a wide audience through various platforms, including television, streaming services, and film festivals, and they often feature interviews with the subject, as well as with friends, family members, and experts; this combination of sources provides viewers with authentic, firsthand insights. For example, Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (2018), directed by Morgan Neville, is a documentary about the life and legacy of Fred Rogers, the beloved host of the children’s television program Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. The film celebrates Rogers’ commitment to kindness, empathy, and social change as he pioneered educational television programming for children, leaving a lasting impact on generations of viewers.

Interpreting Biographical Texts

Studying biographical texts is an integral part of studying literature, providing valuable and personalized insights into connections between an author’s life and their works. By exploring the motivations, influences, and intentions behind an author’s writing, we gain a deeper appreciation for the creative processes that shape literary expression. From their early days, trials and tribulations, to their accomplishments and legacies, biographical texts tell stories about people.

The Process of Reading and Analyzing Biographical Texts

1. Pre-reading and analysis

• Does the biography provide both factual details and a compelling narrative about the person’s life?
• How does the biography depict the person’s character, their actions, and the reactions they garnered from others?
• Does the author paint a vivid and accurate picture of the individual?

2. Determine the Author’s Perspective

• What’s the author’s viewpoint on the subject?
• How does the author feel about the person they are writing about?
• Can you identify sections that particularly highlight the author’s opinions or biases?

3. Conduct a Content Analysis

• What life events or details are emphasized by the author? What seems to be missing? It is important to consider what has been intentionally left out.  For example, are both sides of a contested argument represented?
• If you read other biographies about this individual, do you find differences in the details or narratives presented?
• Why might the author choose to include certain events or details and exclude others?

4. Check for Factual Accuracy

• Does the biography seem thoroughly researched?
• How does the author validate the information? (Check for bibliographies, endnotes, or author’s notes.)
• Are there elements in the biography that seem fictionalized or speculative, especially concerning personal thoughts or emotions?

5. Research the Historical Context

• When was the biography published? How might this influence the portrayal or interpretation?
• Are the illustrations or photographs in the biography accurate and relevant? Be cautious of images that appear “historical” but might be artistic interpretations.
• Do any visuals seem to perpetuate stereotypes or lack context? Always verify the captions for information on the origins of the images.

6. Make Personal Connections

• Can you see any similarities between your own life and what the author shares about their experiences in the text?
• Do you recognize any family customs, practices, or settings from the content that remind you of your own family traditions?
• As you learn about the characters in the narrative, do they remind you of people in your own life? How are they reminiscent of the author’s friends or family?

Conclusion

In summary, biographical texts provide a unique approach to literary analysis, encouraging us to scrutinize how identity is constructed, events are depicted, and experiences are interpreted. These texts also offer insight into how we shape our own narratives and those of others. This understanding allows us to engage with the text on a deeper level, uncovering layers of meaning that may not be immediately apparent. As Dr. Jenna Copper, professor and bestselling author, affirms: “From casual readers to literary scholars, people want to know an author’s influences. This instinct is where the biographical lens comes from… Therefore, biographical theorists believe that it is necessary to study the life of the author in order to truly understand the text” (Copper). So as we engage with these narratives in our literary studies, I encourage you to let them enhance your understanding of the human experience, one step at a time.

Works Cited

Brooks, Grace. “Why We Should All Be Reading More Biographies.” From The Green Notebook, 17 Jan. 2022, https://fromthegreennotebook.com/2022/01/17/why-we-should-all-be-reading-more-biographies/

Copper, Jenna. “How a Biographical Lens Can Improve Any Literature Unit.” JennaCopper.com, 8 Feb. 2021, https://jennacopper.com/biographicallens/

Lauterbach, Sasha, and Marion Reynolds. “What to Look for When You Read a Biography.” John F. Kennedy Presidential Library Education Department, 2007. https://www.jfklibrary.org/sites/default/files/2018-06/Student_Handout-_What_to_Look_for_When_You_Read_a_Biography.pdf