Describing a work of literature, film, art, or other creative medium that does not depict the creator's own life experiences, personal history, or direct perspectives. It signifies a deliberate detachment from the author's or artist's personal narrative and instead focuses on fictional characters, invented situations, or other external subjects. The content may draw inspiration from real life but does not represent a direct, factual account of the creator's own existence. The emphasis lies on crafting a narrative or artistic expression distinct from the artist's self, exploring imagined scenarios, or conveying universal themes through invented scenarios. This doesn't preclude the author from subtly inserting personal experiences, but rather emphasizes their non-direct, fictionalized treatment.
Non-autobiographical meaning with examples
- Tolkien's *The Lord of the Rings* is fundamentally non-autobiographical; although inspired by his experiences and academic background, the epic fantasy depicts entirely fictional characters and events in a made-up world. Its scope and depth and characters do not share a one-to-one correspondence with Tolkien's personal life. The narrative explores universal themes like good versus evil, but those themes are displayed not through himself.
- The director chose a non-autobiographical approach for the film, opting to adapt a novel about a historical figure rather than directing a biopic about his own life. He aimed to tell the story in the most objective manner possible. The film aimed to showcase the figure's story for his audience, not to be seen as a memoir of their own.
- The playwright decided to write a non-autobiographical play about a dystopian future, drawing inspiration from social and political anxieties without directly referencing any personal experiences. The story provided an allegorical look at our social and political anxieties without the direct involvement of the author. His aim was to address social issues through speculative fiction.
- The artist's collection of landscapes is considered non-autobiographical, focusing on the depiction of natural beauty rather than expressing personal feelings or events. While their artistic style might be identifiable, the subject matter focuses outward; the artist's life is not displayed on the canvas. The artworks serve as interpretations of natural scenes.