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Biographical Criticism
WHAT
IS IT?
In the bigger picture...
We can zoom in...
to specific aspects of
the author's identity,
including...
The author may...
including
insight gained from the experience or
opinion of the experience
or...
for instance,
political or social
the author develops the central theme based on
his perspective of society
or...
the author's experiences from his economic and social status are integral to understanding the relationships between characters and expectations of the fictional society
or...
PERHAPS
characters are based on real
people the author knew;
knowledge of their relationships
gives insight into author's attitude
towards those characters
External, biographical information
can bring the reader
BEYOND
(gives more room for interpretation)
Considering such elements helps
readers reason the author's
The reader can interpret and evaluate the text in light of the social, economic, and political issues the author faced in his time.
may allow
It can expand
PERSPECTIVE
as it encourages the reader to
consider how one's experience
could affect one's perception of
life and society
Recognition of how an author changed or presented his experience in his work can demonstrate what the author would like to emphasize about his experience.
HOWEVER
the focus of the criticism
should remain as the text,
NOT the author's life
one must not assume that an author's work is a reflection of the author's personal experiences and thoughts
must have reliable sources for
biographical information
HISTORICAL
CRITICISM
While biographical criticism also examines the social, intellectual, cultural, and political trends of the author's time as well, it focuses more on the author's actual life experiences.
NEW CRITICISM
New Criticism arose as a movement against Biographical Criticism,
focusing on the text, itself, only.
Why does it matter
we know about the author?
We can zoom in...
WHAT
IS IT?
The author may
"Life" is big.
In the bigger picture...
to specific aspects
of the author's identity,
including...
class,
gender,
ethnicity,
education,
nationality,
family history,
sexual orientation,
religious/political beliefs
incorporate real-life experiences
How does biographical criticism
relate to other literary theories?
Why does it matter we know about the author?
Biographical
Criticism
incorporate personal experiences
into the work
voice concerns of his time
the given text
BEYOND
PURPOSE
and
INTENDED
AUDIENCE
Using knowledge of the author's
life and experiences to gain
insight into the author's work
class,
gender,
ethnicity,
education,
family history,
sexual orientation,
religious/political views
Why do people use this critical lens?
"Life" is big.
Consideration of the author's intentions
greater insight
into the author, himself.
The author may...