Biography as a subgenre

Christian Alexander

Can biography be a kind of a subtype of historical documents? I find that the narrative-critical approach is keen on this kind of research but I do not understand the strands. I read these two books. Can someone explain? I also asked google but did not get a satisfactory answer there either. 

• Characterization in the Gospels: Reconceiving Narrative Criticism (Sheffield Academic, 1999)
• The Gospels as Stories by Jeannine K. Brown (Baker, 2020)

MJ. Smith

You appear to be using historical documents in a different sense than I would use it, so I can't answer. However, if you are asking it biography and autobiography are subtypes of historic literature, then yes.

keen on this kind of research

I don't understand this but does this help?

[quote]

Here are key aspects of narrative criticism and its relationship to biographical literature:

1. Emphasis of Narrative Criticism:

   • Structure and Form: Narrative criticism pays attention to the structural elements of a narrative, including plot, characters, setting, and narrative techniques. It explores how these elements work together to create meaning and convey the author's intentions.
   • Narrative Devices: The analysis often involves examining narrative devices such as point of view, time sequencing, and symbolism. Understanding how these devices contribute to the overall narrative helps uncover deeper layers of meaning.
   • Reader Response: Narrative criticism is interested in how readers or audiences engage with and interpret a narrative. It recognizes that the interpretation of a story is a dynamic process that involves the interplay between the text and the reader's experiences, beliefs, and cultural context.

2. Relationship to Biographical Literature:

   • Focus on Life Stories: Biographical literature, which includes autobiographies, memoirs, and biographies, provides a rich source for narrative criticism. The emphasis in biographical literature is on recounting and interpreting a person's life story.
   • Construction of Identity: Narrative criticism can explore how identity is constructed and portrayed in biographical narratives. It examines the choices authors make in shaping their life stories, including the selection of events, the framing of experiences, and the portrayal of relationships.
   • Narrative Arc: Biographical literature often follows a narrative arc, much like fictional narratives. Narrative criticism can analyze how the structure of a life story, from birth to significant events or accomplishments, contributes to the overall meaning of the biography.
   • Intertextuality: The relationship between a biographical narrative and other cultural narratives, including societal expectations, historical contexts, and literary traditions, can be a focus of narrative criticism. Understanding these intertextual connections enhances the analysis of biographical literature.

In summary, narrative criticism emphasizes the study of narratives across various forms of literature, including biographical literature. It delves into the construction of stories, the impact of narrative devices, and the dynamic relationship between the text and the reader. When applied to biographical literature, narrative criticism helps uncover the complexities of life stories, exploring how authors shape and readers interpret the narratives of individuals' lives.

I also asked google but did not get a satisfactory answer there either. 

When you have decent books at starting points, use their footnotes and/or bibliographies to find resources that might expand your knowledge and answer your questions. One of the difficulties of distance learning for advanced degrees is you lack access to academic librarians to teach you these skills.

Christian Alexander

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1278984#Comment_1278984

This is very helpful MJ. Thanks