The analysis of an autobiographical work means that the author based the fictional novel, play etc. on their actual life. They will have taken inspiration for the plot and events, characters’ personality and behaviour, and practically any other element present in the work including setting, from their own experiences.

An autobiographical analysis means you study the author’s life and compare it to the work on hand. With some authors, they may have written more than one work with elements taken from their life, and you will be able to compare between these works as well, reinforcing the importance of the issue for the writer. Sometimes there will be a “reoccurring” character type between several works, and this will usually represent someone who was very important or influential to the author, if not a representation of themself.