Autobiography

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

AutobiographyFirst 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

First Person Point of ViewExample

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

BiographyThird 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
characters reactions to the storys events

Third Person Point of ViewExample

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

In

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.

Activity
READING 1
Aunt Cindy was a big part of Janes
childhood. Jane and her parents visited
Aunt Cindy at least once a month. She
remembers many visits to Aunt Cindys
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.

Activity
READING 2
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 Cindys 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.

Activity
Look

at your Cornell Notes.

Take a few minutes to complete the
Venn Diagram.
Be prepared to share your findings.

Activator

Reading 1

1.
2.

Reading 2

1.
1.
2.

2.