The Difference Between a Diary and an Autobiography

"What is an Autobiography" by Roy Pascal highlights the differences between an autobiography and a diary. I had never thought of the differences before, but I think that it is important to understand when reading the stories that we have in class. "Persepolis", "Lynch Laws", "Letters to John Adams, and "Our Nig" all are written from a narrative that can be seen as similar to a diary or autobiography because the narrative is very personal and true to the author's life.

According to Pascal, the difference between an autobiography and a diary is that "The latter is a reivew of life from a particular moment in time, while the diary, however reflective it may be, moves through a series of moments in time." I think this helps us understand the difference in exigency between Wilson and Adams when reading their two stories. Wells has had time to reflect on the adversity in her life and has thoughtfully decided how to approach and construct her audience. Adams, however, had no idea that her letters to John would make history. She is writing in a state of urgency with raw emotions. Not to mention, she is describing to John what is happening nearly as it is happening.

It makes me wonder which is more powerful... To write in the moment, or to reflect on how the audience should be constructed. I feel that both ways of writing have their benefits. Writing in the moment can be much more real and simple, stating only what is happening and what is being felt while also showing growth. To write in form of a reflection such as in "Persepolis" or "Our Nig" can show us a greater depth to the story as it can construct the audience to see from several different perspectives.

I found, especially in "Persepolis" that I was able to understand more about the story when I was shown a narrative from her childhood paralleled with her current perspective. Likewise in "Our Nig" I feel that the author chose to show a growing intensity and state of exigency in the story.