How to ... 

Analyse and Discuss Historical & Literary Context

A Guide to Context Analysis

The historical and literary context of a work can reveal hidden layers of meaning that many readers miss. 

Don't worry, www.literature-no-trouble.com is here to make sure you're one of the few who discovers them!

Unveiling the Historical Landscape

First, let's delve into the historical context, which refers to the time period and societal conditions surrounding a literary work's creation. 

Key elements include:

• Political climate: The system of government, laws, and policies. For example, Dostoevsky's novels were shaped by the authoritarian rule during the Russian Revolution.
• Social norms and values: The accepted behaviors, beliefs, and morals. The strict societal expectations of the Victorian era heavily influenced the characters and themes in the Brontë sisters' novels.
• Economic situation: The overall financial conditions and class structures. The economic hardship of the Great Depression is crucial context for understanding the struggles depicted in John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath."
• Major events: Significant historical occurrences that impacted society. The devastation of World War I is essential context for comprehending the disillusionment expressed in the poetry of the modernist writers.
• Prevailing ideas: The dominant philosophies, scientific discoveries, and intellectual trends of the era. For example, the Enlightenment ideals of reason and individualism are fundamental context for grasping the themes in Jane Austen's novels.

Discovering Literary Connections

Another layer to explore is the literary context, which looks at elements like:

• Prevalent literary movements and trends: The main ideas and ways of writing at that time (Literary Trends). The Romantic movement's emphasis on nature, emotion, and individualism shaped the themes and writing style of authors like William Wordsworth.
• The author's influences from other writers: Ernest Hemingway's minimalist prose was influenced by the journalistic writing of authors he admired, like Gertrude Stein.
• Genre conventions: The established expectations and elements of a particular genre. The gothic genre's focus on the supernatural, the macabre, and psychological horror is essential context for understanding the elements in Bram Stoker's "Dracula".
• The author's own experiences and body of work: Maya Angelou's personal experiences with racism and sexism deeply informed the autobiographical tone and themes explored in her acclaimed memoir "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings".

Ready to Become a Context Detective?

Mastering context analysis is your key to unlocking the hidden gems in any literary masterpiece. Happy reading and analyzing!

Power Phrases: 

Discussing Historical Context:

• Set against the backdrop of…
• A product of the era's...
• Reflecting the social/political/economic realities of the time period...
• Deeply influenced by the major events and cultural shifts of the era...
• Shaped by the prevailing philosophies and attitudes of the day...
• Responding to the pressing issues and concerns of the historical moment...

Discussing Literary Context:

• Exemplifying the key characteristics of the [movement/genre]...
• Drawing inspiration from the work of [influential authors]...
• Reflecting the author's own life experiences and worldview...
• Engaging with the prevailing literary trends and techniques of the time...
• Responding to the cultural, social, and intellectual currents of the era…
• A classic example of the genre…

Tips for Effective Contextual Analysis:

• Research: Conduct thorough research on the historical period, cultural context, and literary movements relevant to the text.
• Annotate: Highlight key passages and make notes on the historical and literary references.
• Connect the Dots: Identify the connections between the text and its historical and literary context.
• Critical Thinking: Analyze the impact of context on the text's themes, characters, and plot.

By following these guidelines, you can become a more insightful reader and develop a deeper appreciation for the power of language.

Here are some questions that can help you:

Part 1: Historical Context

     . Identify the historical period: 

What time period does the extract seem to be set in?

Are there any significant historical events or social issues that might be relevant to the work?     

     . Analyze the social and cultural norms: 

What can you infer about the society's values, beliefs, and customs from the work? 

Part 2: Literary Context    

     . Identify the literary movement: 

Does the extract belong to a specific literary movement (e.g., Romanticism, Realism, Modernism)? How does the movement's characteristics influence the work?     

     . Consider the author's biography: 

How might the author's personal experiences have influenced the writing of this extract? (see the biography chart)     

     . Consider authorial influences: 

Are there any specific authors or works that may have influenced the style or content of the extract? 

Part 3: Connecting the Dots 

How does the historical context influence the work? 

How does the literary context shape the way the work is written and interpreted?

What are the potential implications of the historical and literary context for the reader's understanding of the extract? 

By carefully analyzing these aspects, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the extract and its significance within the broader literary and historical context.