Task: Biographical Approach to Antheap Criticism of biographies is an essential tool that literary critics utilize to evaluate a writer’s prowess and the authenticity of his work. Criticism of an individual’s biography should be constructive and solid but not prejudicial to the writer. Most critics evaluate the opinions expressed by the writer in the book, as reflective of the author’s character and mindset. Biographies are experiences of individuals separate from the writer and the information written is a valid account of their life. Doris Lessing in her story of “ The Antheap” relates the experiences of two lads of distinct races and reside in Zimbabwe and their friendship is tainted with racism incidences. The main theme of the story focuses on how the two boys are able to sustain their friendship despite the tribulations that occur. According to Lessing (13), Macintosh who is a goldmine owner oppresses the Africans who work in their mines. The eviroment in which the Africans work are deplorable and the state of the mine continues to get dangerous (Lessing 20). Tommy, who is white, plays with black children despite the refutation from his mother. Tommy’s parents who are immediate neighbors to Macintosh refrain their sin from engaging with the black children ( Lessing 25). “ New Historicism” is a technique that critics utilize to examine skeptically the writers content. Critics tend to associate the books content to the authors character, which is not a concrete basis. The writer’s mannerisms can be autonomous of the information of his work. The happenings of an autobiographical subject, for example, Doris Lessing describes of the racial experience of black people in Zimbabwe through the troubles of small boys, while this is not reflective of the experiences of the author. She is of British descent and has spent a large fraction o her life in Europe away from the impediments that exist in Africa particularly Zimbabwe. This further emphasizes that the expression of the author cannot determine his character since she may utilize expressive language to sweeten the story. This approach of critics is speculative and no concrete authentication to the views the critic proposes can be verified. The language of a writer is not credible enough to warrant the biography as prejudicial. The biographical details should not be an estimation of the writer’s opinions on the written issues.
In addition, some critics utilize less credible sources to disregard the information put forth by the author. Doris has written numerous fictional articles that gain universal acclaim for their originality. Her genius is revered by individuals all over and is a recipient of numerous accolades such as the Nobel Prize in 2007. The analysis will be effective if the discrepancies presented are viable and have substantiation form respectable sources. If the criticism is speculative, it can be injurious to the author’s reputation. The critic should research his topic exhaustively and ensure his contradictions are legitimate.
Conclusion
Criticism helps authors reevaluate their approach and make adjustments that will advance the standard of the author’s literary proficiency. However, the critical platform should be devoid of personal bias to the author and incorporate essential aspects that involve the work and not the individual. Authors involve professional ethics in undertaking writing, thus, criticism of the writer’s personality is not necessarily the reflection of his work. Therefore, critics should incorporate legitimate approaches of analyzing the work of biographies.
Work Cited
Lessing, Doris. & Pickering, Jean. A Home for the Highland Cattle: And, the Antheap. Peterborough, Ont: Broadview Press, 2003. Print.
