Biography Meaning
Biography Definition & Usage
A detailed account or written description of someone's life, often focusing on the major events, achievements, and personal experiences.
Examples
- "The biography of Albert Einstein is a fascinating look at his life and discoveries."
- "She wrote a biography about the famous artist, capturing both his personal struggles and professional triumphs."
- "I’ve been reading a biography of Winston Churchill that delves deep into his wartime leadership."
- "His autobiography, a kind of self-written biography, was published last year and received critical acclaim."
- "The biography of the poet revealed many hidden aspects of his life that were previously unknown to the public."
The genre of writing or scholarly work that focuses on the life of an individual, often researched and analyzed in a critical or historical context.
Examples
- "She completed her PhD in biography, focusing on the works of 19th-century female authors."
- "The biography genre is taught in many literature departments as part of the study of life writing."
- "I prefer historical biographies because they provide a comprehensive view of a person's impact on society."
- "Biographies in academia often involve a rigorous exploration of primary sources and historical documents."
- "He found that the study of biography helped him understand the cultural contexts in which historical figures lived."
Cultural Context
Biographies are a longstanding tradition in literature, with notable examples dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. In modern times, biographies are considered an important genre for understanding both historical figures and ordinary people who have made significant contributions to society. The genre is widely popular in both nonfiction and fictional contexts.
The Legacy of a Forgotten Writer
Story
The Legacy of a Forgotten Writer
Emily had always been drawn to biographies, fascinated by the lives of those who had shaped the world around her. She had read many, from political leaders to literary giants, but it was a biography of a little-known poet from the early 20th century that sparked her curiosity. The poet had lived through both world wars, yet his works were barely remembered in modern times. Determined to uncover more, Emily set out to write her own biography of the poet. She spent months in dusty archives, reading letters and journals, piecing together fragments of the poet’s tumultuous life. She discovered that his work had been suppressed during the wars, but that his poetry had inspired countless soldiers on the frontlines. One day, as Emily sat in a quiet café, she spoke to a fellow academic about her progress. ‘Writing a biography is different from any other kind of research,’ she said, sipping her coffee. ‘You don’t just write about facts—you have to understand the person, the times they lived in, and the impact they had on others.’ Her friend nodded in agreement. ‘Exactly. You’re not just documenting events; you’re telling a story about a life that has influenced the world in ways we can’t always see.’ Emily’s biography of the poet was finally published, and it was praised for not just chronicling his life, but for providing a critical examination of his legacy. It wasn’t just a recounting of facts—it was an academic work that helped redefine how history viewed this forgotten poet. As the years went by, Emily often reflected on how writing a biography had changed her own life. It wasn’t just about the poet—it was about understanding the complexities of human lives and the ways in which we are all interconnected through time. Her work became an inspiration for others in the academic world, and she realized that biographies were not just about documenting history. They were about capturing the essence of what it means to live a meaningful life, and sharing that with future generations.