Meaning: The quote "I have developed a very strong partiality for the dead: they don't talk back, they don't sue, and they don't have angry relatives" by Ron Chernow, a prominent American author, offers a thought-provoking insight into the appeal of historical figures and the past. As a biographer and historian, Chernow has delved deeply into the lives of notable individuals, often those who are deceased, to bring their stories to life. This quote reflects his perspective on the advantages of working with the dead as subjects of historical inquiry.

Chernow's choice of the word "partiality" suggests a strong preference or liking. In this context, he is expressing his fondness for the deceased as subjects of study and exploration. He highlights three distinct advantages of focusing on the dead: they don't talk back, they don't sue, and they don't have angry relatives. Each of these points reveals Chernow's pragmatic approach to his work and sheds light on the challenges he faces as a biographer and historian.

The first part of the quote, "they don't talk back," alludes to the idea that deceased individuals cannot contradict or challenge the narratives constructed about them. Unlike living subjects who may provide conflicting accounts or contest interpretations of their lives, the dead remain silent and thus allow for a more unilateral exploration of their experiences and legacies. This aspect of historical inquiry can be appealing to researchers seeking to construct coherent and unchallenged narratives.

The second point, "they don't sue," touches upon the legal and ethical complexities that can arise when portraying living individuals in historical works. Laws regarding defamation, privacy, and intellectual property rights can present significant obstacles when dealing with living subjects. By focusing on the deceased, Chernow avoids these legal entanglements, allowing for a freer exploration of their lives and characters without the fear of legal repercussions.

The final assertion, "they don't have angry relatives," points to the potential sensitivities and objections that can emerge from the families and descendants of living individuals who are the subjects of historical inquiry. Such objections can complicate and hinder the portrayal of a person's life and achievements. By choosing deceased subjects, Chernow circumvents these potential conflicts, enabling him to delve into their stories without the interference of living relatives who may have their own agendas or viewpoints.

Chernow's quote encapsulates the practical advantages of working with deceased individuals as the subjects of historical investigation. It also provides insight into the author's approach to his craft, highlighting the challenges and considerations that shape his choice of subjects. This perspective sheds light on the complexities and nuances of historical biography and offers valuable context for understanding Chernow's body of work.

In conclusion, Ron Chernow's quote "I have developed a very strong partiality for the dead: they don't talk back, they don't sue, and they don't have angry relatives" offers a glimpse into the mindset of a historian and biographer who has devoted his career to chronicling the lives of historical figures. His pragmatic and insightful perspective on the advantages of working with deceased subjects provides valuable context for understanding the complexities of historical inquiry and the considerations that shape the portrayal of individuals from the past.