What is the Difference Between an Autobiography and a Memoir?
March 14, 2019
What is the Difference Between an Autobiography and a Memoir?
Memoir :
Like an autobiography, a memoir is also a personal narrative about the author’s life. A memoir, however, generally focuses on a specific window of time within the author’s life. A memoir:
Autobiography and memoir: two terms that seem to be constantly confused and used interchangeably.
While the confusion between the two is definitely understandable, there are a few differences that can help you identify whether it is a memoir you are writing, or if it is actually an autobiography.
Autobiography :
An autobiography is generally a personal narrative that tells the story of the author’s life. An autobiography:
- Is usually written chronologically
- Details the author’s entire life (up until present day)
- Focuses mainly on presenting facts and history
- Is more formal and informational
- Is a collection of facts
- Can be written in either first or third person
Memoir :
Like an autobiography, a memoir is also a personal narrative about the author’s life. A memoir, however, generally focuses on a specific window of time within the author’s life. A memoir:
- Can be written chronologically, but frequently hops around through different periods of time
- Is less formal and more conversational
- Is written more from the perspective of the author, and less from a factual perspective
- Is a collection of memories (with facts intertwined)
- Is written in first person