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How do you define the difference between biography and memoir?

How do you define the difference between biography and memoir ??

John #questionnaire #biography #memoir

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13 Answers

Jeff

I looked this up recently. Apparently a biography looks at the entire life. A memoir looks at a particular part or facet of that life.

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Annette

Exactly what Jeff said

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Amanda

What Jeff said. A biography is an overview of a life, and a memoir is thematic. Like, someone writing about their battle with cancer is writing a memoir because there’s a specific element and theme to the book. But a biography will generally cover an entire life, ostensibly objectively, though there can be biases.

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Staci

Biography is someone else telling your story, Memoir is you telling your story…

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Sean

There are many biographies written directly by that person.

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Kelli

@Sean That’s called an autobiography. A true biography is written by someone else.

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Sean

I understand that. But many are also co written.

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Kelli

What Staci said. Memoir is the fancy way of saying “autobiography.”

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Sean

I have seen stores use them as the same before. There isn’t s kot of difference really. Biography generally is more encompassing.

For instance there are biographies on gymnasts and they deal only with that part of their life but still classes as a bio.

Romeo dallaire wrote a memoir about his time in Rwanda during the genocide and then one about himself and his struggles with PTSD. It is a very fine line

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Betty

I think a memoir is more personal. Not just autobiography but emotionally what it all meant. I like to read memoirs

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Andrea

A lot of memoirs that I read are essay style. I know that doesn’t define it but I am likely to call it a memoir when it’s written like that.

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Mark

A biography is someone’s story being told. Memoirs are someone’s story being told while putting on airs.

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Chris

Jeff’s definition is entirely accurate!

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