1. Why context really matters in a work of literature
1.1. Helps build a relationship and trust with the reader Provides meaning Adds specificity to your writing Directs the reader's attention to a particular train of thought Avoids unwanted interpretation Elevates emotions and makes readers more invested in the writing
2. Different types:
2.1. AUTHOR’S CONTEXT VS. READER’S CONTEXT Your current social and cultural context can have a great influence on how you read a text, so it’s always important to imagine the author’s own context – whether this be very similar, or very different from the context of their text
2.2. HISTORICAL CONTEXTS The historical context of a text is entangled with its social context, as underlying norms and convention are historically specific. The historical context is important to note especially when large changes have occurred between the time the work was produced, and our current day, so it is not assessed by our own concerns alone.
2.3. IDEOLOGICAL CONTEXTS Ideology refers to the systems of beliefs and ideas that underpin our attitudes and behavior. Such ideology may be valued by society as a whole, or be the basis of conflict. Ideology is a context that is in many ways ‘invisible’. This is because our own is largely internalized and normalized, we act accordingly to our assumptions and social norms. Many texts explore ideological context, either challenging or championing it.
2.4. CULTURAL CONTEXTS Culture refers to a particular ‘way of life’, involving religion, race and nationality, as well as things like food, dress code and manners. Furthermore, culture can relate to art, music, writing and literature itself. Cultural context, which is similarly linked with social, historical and ideological context, is especially important to note if the author is attempting to make a comment on an aspect of culture, or the clash of two cultures.
2.5. SOCIAL CONTEXT The social context of a text is the way in which the features of the society it is set in impact on its meaning. There are two aspects to social context: the kind of society in which the characters live, and the one in which the author’s text was produced. The societal features are key in determining the author’s views on the matters discussed.
3. Clues that reveal the context
3.1. Details about yourself/the character A backstory A personality trait An environment A life changing situation A trivial situation
