In literature, there is some confusion between two genres that share similarities: autobiography and memoir. Often Both terms are used interchangeably, but in reality there are fundamental differences between the two. In this article, we will review the characteristics of each of them.

The autobiography

Autobiography is a literary genre that narrates life of a person in detail, from birth or childhood to the present moment. The author of an autobiography seeks to tell his own life story, which includes both personal and professional aspects.

The autobiography is usually written in first person, since the author is the undisputed protagonist of his own story. Furthermore, an autobiography aims to offer a global vision of the author's life, with the intention that the reader understands how his life path has developed and what have been the reasons that have led him to be who he is.

Example of autobiography:

An example of an autobiography is "My Life" by Bill Clinton, in which the former president of the United States narrates his own story – his origins, training, political career and personal life – presenting his career as a personal chronicle of the factors that led him to become president.

The memories

Memoirs are also a literary genre that recounts personal experiences, but in this case, the author does not intend to tell his entire life story. Memoirs focus on a specific period or event in the author's life. Therefore, they are more specific than autobiographies.

In the memoir, the author emphasizes an important stage in his life, and may only focus on a series of particular events or situations, without giving a global vision of his life as a whole. Although it is also written in the first person, its structure and the chosen approach are different from those of autobiography.

Example of memories:

An example of a memoir is “The Ridiculous Idea of ​​Never Seeing You Again,” by Rosa Montero, in which the author brings together memories and reflections on the figure of the writer Marie Curie. Through her memoirs, the author offers a portrait of the scientist, but also of herself, and how her figure has influenced her throughout her career as a writer.

Conclusions

Although both genres have aspects in common, such as the fact that they are both based on the narration of personal experiences, the differences between them are considerable. Autobiography is broader and more encompassing, while memoirs could be understood as a type of reduced autobiography, focused on a specific moment or aspect of the author's life.

In any case, both autobiography and memoirs are a literary expression of human experience, which provide the reader with a unique and personal vision of the life and experiences of the authors.

References

• Wikipedia – Autobiography
• Wikipedia – Memoirs

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