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Biography
The Biography: One of the Most
Unique Genres
The biography is a
unique genre of writing and moviemaking. It tells the story of
someone’s life, rather than focusing on a particular event or period
in history. Yet, through this, it is often possible to get a sense
of the culture and general living conditions for those who lived at
the same time as the biographical subject.
Writing a biography is quite different from other genres as well.
Some writers choose to try to present an unbiased view of their
subject, and will research flaws as well as good points so as to be
able to address both types of aspects evenly. Other authors choose
to present a highly slanted view, either in favour of or against
their subject. These types of biographies can be interesting, but
one must remember to look for a counterpoint in order to get the
whole picture. In any case, the writer must meticulously research
their subject. It is not unheard of for writers of biographies to
interview the subject’s childhood friends, teachers, and other
“long-lost” associations in order to find some titbit of information
others haven’t yet written about.
For readers, a biography can give an almost voyeuristic sense of
looking at the normally-private aspects of a person’s life. This can
give an understanding of the way the subject behaved which is simply
not possible by seeing them in the newspapers or in reports on the
telly. When the subject is still alive, there is often a lot of
material that still doesn’t make it into a biography. If the subject
is recently deceased, on the other hand, readers can look forward to
having a lot of the mysteries of the person’s life explained. A
biography of a historical figure from several decades prior often
offers the most accurate information, because historians have had
time to separate the facts from the myths. History buffs will likely
appreciate this type of biography the most.
A motion picture biography can be one of the most fun kinds of shows
to watch, or one of the dullest. When they’re good, they will give
viewers a sense of almost being in the same room as the subject;
it’s like the viewer is actually watching the protagonist’s
day-to-day life and reactions to events.
Whether reading a biography or watching one, the key to enjoying
this genre is to first decide whose life you’d like to know more
about. Then seek an interesting biography about them, and you’re
almost sure to find one. |
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