Autobiography vs. Biography

1. Autobiography vs. Biography What is the point of view of the writing? What are the characteristics of a biography and an autobiography?

2. Autobiography-First Person Point of View • In the first person point of view, the narrator does participate in the action of the story • When reading stories in the first person, we need to realize that what the narrator is recounting might not be the objective truth • We should question the trustworthiness of the accounting

3. First Person Point of View-Example “For nearly a year, I sopped around the house, the Store, the school, and the church, like an old biscuit, dirty and inedible. Then I met, or rather got to know, the lady who threw me my first lifeline.” from I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

4. Biography-Third Person Point of View • A narrator zooms in on the thoughts and feelings of just one character in the story • This point of view helps us share that character’s reactions to the story’s events

5. Third Person Point of View-Example • “In December of 1851 when she started out with the band of fugitives that she planned to take to Canada, she had been in the vicinity of the plantation for days planning the trip, carefully selecting the slaves that she would take with her.” from Harriet Tubman Conductor of the Underground Railroad By Ann Petry

6. Activity: • We will be looking at two readings. • They are both very similar, but they are both different as well. • Be on the look out for the difference.

7. READING 1 Activity Aunt Cindy was a big part of Jane’s childhood. Jane and her parents visited Aunt Cindy at least once a month. She remembers many visits to Aunt Cindy’s tiny, dark apartment. It was very quiet in that building– maybe because tenants were not allowed to have children or pets. In spite of that, Aunt Cindy found a way to express her love for animals; she spent days working at an animal shelter near her home, and scouting out alleyways for strays and finding them homes.

8. READING 2 Activity Aunt Cindy was a big part of my childhood. My parents and I visited her at least once a month. I remember many visits to Aunt Cindy’s tiny, dark apartment. It was very quiet in that building– maybe because tenants were not allowed to have children or pets. In spite of that, my Aunt Cindy found a way to express her love for animals; she spent days working at an animal shelter near her home, and scouting out alleyways for strays and finding them homes.

9. Activity • Look at your notesheet. • Take a few minutes to complete the Venn Diagram. • We will share our answers in just in a moment.

10. Activator Reading 1 Reading 2 1. 1. 1. 2. 2. 2.

11. Autobiography • The main character is the author (First Person Point of View) • Recounts the key incidents in the writer’s life • Describes major influences (people, events, places) on the writer

12. Autobiography • Describes interactions between the writer and significant people in his or her life • Reveals the writer’s feelings, reactions, values, and goals • Gives details about time, place, and key events

13. Let’s Review #1 Aunt Cindy was a big part of my childhood. My parents and I visited her at least once a month. I remember many visits to Aunt Cindy’s tiny, dark apartment. It was very quiet in that building– maybe because tenants were not allowed to have children or pets. In spite of that, my Aunt Cindy found a way to express her love for animals; she spent days working at an animal shelter near her home, and scouting out alleyways for strays and finding them homes. * What clues tell us that the first reading was an autobiography?

14. Let’s Review #1: Autobiography Aunt Cindy was a big part of my childhood. My parents and I visited her at least once a month. I remember many visits to Aunt Cindy’s tiny, dark apartment. It was very quiet in that building– maybe because tenants were not allowed to have children or pets. In spite of that, my Aunt Cindy found a way to express her love for animals; she spent days working at an animal shelter near her home, and scouting out alleyways for strays and finding them homes.

15. Biography • Tells about a real person • Shows that the writer knows a lot about this person ((Third Person Point of View) • Describes the person’s environment (time, place, events)

16. Biography • Provides anecdotes or details that show this person in action • Shows how the person affects other people • States or implies how the writer feels about the person

17. Let’s Review #2 Aunt Cindy was a big part of Jane’s childhood. Jane and her parents visited Aunt Cindy at least once a month. She remembers many visits to Aunt Cindy’s tiny, dark apartment. It was very quiet in that building– maybe because tenants were not allowed to have children or pets. In spite of that, Aunt Cindy found a way to express her love for animals; she spent days working at an animal shelter near her home, and scouting out alleyways for strays and finding them homes. * What clues tell us that the first reading was an biography?

18. Let’s Review #2- Biography Aunt Cindy was a big part of Jane’s childhood. Jane and her parents visited Aunt Cindy at least once a month. She remembers many visits to Aunt Cindy’s tiny, dark apartment. It was very quiet in that building– maybe because tenants were not allowed to have children or pets. In spite of that, Aunt Cindy found a way to express her love for animals; she spent days working at an animal shelter near her home, and scouting out alleyways for strays and finding them homes.

19. In-Class Assignments • Take out a blank sheet of notebook paper. • Title it “Autobio vs Bio Summarizer” and head it properly. • Then FLIP IT OVER TO THE BACK…

21. “Elizabeth I”- Answers • Is this a biography or an autobiography? • What point-of-view is this story written in? • What do the details tell you about Elizabeth’s character (page 416)? • Who did Elizabeth I marry?

22. “Elizabeth I”- Answers • Is this a biography or an autobiography? Biography • What point-of-view is this story written in? Third-Person • What do the details tell you about Elizabeth’s character (page 416)? Smart (well educated), regal, active, eager • Who did Elizabeth I marry? She never married (said she was married to England)