Glossary

1.4 Historical and Cultural Context in Literature

7 min read•august 13, 2024

Literature doesn't exist in a vacuum. It's shaped by the world around it. Historical and is like a secret decoder ring that helps us understand the deeper meanings in books and poems.

When we know what was happening when a story was written, we can see why the author chose certain themes or characters. It's like putting on special glasses that let us see the hidden layers in literature.

Historical and Cultural Context in Literature

Understanding Context

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  • Historical and cultural context refers to the social, political, economic, and cultural conditions that existed during the time period in which a literary work was written
  • Understanding the historical and cultural context of a literary work provides insights into the themes, characters, and conflicts presented in the text
    • For example, understanding the context of the can shed light on the themes of poverty and social inequality in John Steinbeck's ""
  • Failing to consider the historical and cultural context of a literary work can lead to misinterpretations or oversimplifications of the text's meaning and significance
  • The historical and cultural context of a literary work influences the author's choice of subject matter, writing style, and intended audience
    • For instance, the (1920s-1930s) saw a flourishing of African American literature that celebrated black culture and in response to the racism and discrimination of the time

Appreciating Unique Challenges and Opportunities

  • Examining the historical and cultural context of a literary work helps readers appreciate the unique challenges and opportunities faced by the author and the society in which they lived
    • Understanding the context of the (1837-1901) can provide insight into the strict social norms and gender roles that shaped the works of authors like Jane Austen and Charles Dickens
    • Exploring the context of the (1954-1968) can deepen readers' appreciation for the themes of racial justice and equality in the works of authors like Maya Angelou and James Baldwin

Key Factors Shaping Literary Works

Political and Social Climate

  • The political and social climate of the time period, including major events, conflicts, and movements, has a significant impact on the themes and perspectives presented in a literary work
    • The (1917) and its aftermath influenced the works of authors like George Orwell ("") and Ayn Rand ("Anthem"), who explored themes of totalitarianism and individual freedom
  • The dominant cultural values, beliefs, and practices of a society shape the way in which an author approaches their subject matter and the messages they seek to convey
    • The Puritan values of 17th century New England shaped the works of authors like Nathaniel Hawthorne ("The Scarlet Letter") and Arthur Miller ("The Crucible"), who explored themes of sin, guilt, and redemption

Economic Conditions and Class Structures

  • The economic conditions and class structures of a society influence the characters, settings, and conflicts depicted in a literary work
    • The wealth and privilege of the upper classes in Regency England (1811-1820) are reflected in the works of Jane Austen (""), who satirized the social norms and marriage practices of the time
    • The poverty and social inequality of Victorian London are vividly portrayed in the works of Charles Dickens ("Oliver Twist", "A Christmas Carol"), who used his writing to critique the harsh living conditions of the working classes

Intellectual and Artistic Movements

  • The intellectual and artistic movements of a time period, such as the Enlightenment or , influence the style, form, and content of a literary work
    • The Romantic movement of the late 18th and early 19th centuries emphasized emotion, imagination, and individualism, as seen in the works of poets like William Wordsworth and John Keats
    • The Modernist movement of the early 20th century rejected traditional forms and embraced experimentation, as exemplified by the stream-of-consciousness narratives of Virginia Woolf ("Mrs. Dalloway") and James Joyce ("Ulysses")

Personal Experiences and Background

  • The personal experiences and background of the author, including their race, gender, and social class, shape their perspective and the stories they choose to tell
    • The experiences of African American women in the early 20th century are powerfully depicted in the works of Zora Neale Hurston (""), who drew on her own life and the folk traditions of her community
    • The struggles of working-class Irish immigrants in early 20th century America are vividly portrayed in the short stories of James Joyce ("Dubliners"), who drew on his own experiences growing up in Dublin

Authors' Responses to Context

Critiquing and Challenging Society

  • Authors may use their literary works to critique or challenge the dominant values, beliefs, and practices of their society
    • In "", Margaret Atwood critiques the patriarchal oppression of women and the dangers of religious fundamentalism
    • In "", George Orwell warns against the dangers of totalitarianism and the erosion of individual freedom and privacy

Exploring Social, Political, and Economic Issues

  • Authors may use their characters and storylines to explore the social, political, and economic issues of their time period
    • In "", Harper Lee explores issues of racial injustice and moral courage in the context of the Jim Crow South
    • In "", Upton Sinclair exposes the harsh working conditions and exploitation of immigrants in the meatpacking industry of early 20th century Chicago

Reflecting Context through Language, Imagery, and Symbolism

  • The language, imagery, and used in a literary work can reflect the cultural and in which it was written
    • The dense, allusive poetry of T.S. Eliot ("") reflects the fragmentation and disillusionment of post-World War I society
    • The use of African American Vernacular English in the works of Zora Neale Hurston and Langston Hughes reflects the rich oral traditions and cultural identity of the African American community

Influenced by Artistic and Literary Conventions

  • The form and structure of a literary work, such as the use of a particular genre or narrative style, can be influenced by the artistic and literary conventions of the time period
    • The use of the epic form in the works of Homer ("The Iliad", "The Odyssey") reflects the oral storytelling traditions of ancient Greece
    • The use of the sonnet form in the works of William Shakespeare and John Donne reflects the influence of Italian Renaissance poetry on English literature

Resonating with Contemporary Audiences

  • Authors may draw inspiration from the events, people, and ideas of their historical and cultural context to create works that resonate with their contemporary audience
    • The plays of William Shakespeare, such as "Romeo and Juliet" and "Hamlet", continue to resonate with audiences centuries after their creation due to their timeless themes and universal human experiences
    • The novels of Jane Austen, such as "Pride and Prejudice" and "Sense and Sensibility", remain popular with modern readers due to their wit, , and relatable characters

Literature as Cultural Insight

Window into Lived Experiences

  • Literature serves as a window into the lived experiences and perspectives of people from different cultures and time periods
    • The novels of Chinua Achebe ("") provide insight into the culture and traditions of the Igbo people of Nigeria and the impact of European on African societies
    • The memoirs of Elie Wiesel ("") offer a harrowing firsthand account of the Holocaust and the experiences of Jewish prisoners in Nazi concentration camps

Developing Empathy and Understanding

  • By depicting the daily lives, struggles, and triumphs of characters from diverse backgrounds, literature helps readers develop empathy and understanding for people whose experiences may be different from their own
    • The stories of Jhumpa Lahiri ("", "") explore the experiences of Indian immigrants in America and the challenges of navigating between two cultures
    • The novels of Toni Morrison ("", "") give voice to the experiences of African American women and the impact of slavery, racism, and trauma on individuals and communities

Glimpse into Social and Cultural Norms

  • Literature provides a glimpse into the social and cultural norms of a particular time period, including attitudes towards race, gender, class, and other aspects of identity
    • The novels of Jane Austen offer a satirical look at the social norms and marriage practices of Regency England, including the limited opportunities for women and the importance of social status and wealth
    • The plays of Oscar Wilde ("") critique the superficiality and hypocrisy of Victorian society and the rigid gender roles and expectations of the time

Appreciating Diversity of Human Experience

  • By exploring the values and beliefs of different cultures through literature, readers gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity of human experience and the ways in which cultural context shapes individual and collective identities
    • The novels of Gabriel García Márquez ("") blend magical realism with the history and folklore of Colombia, exploring themes of love, family, and the cyclical nature of time
    • The poetry of Rumi, a 13th century Persian mystic, expresses the spiritual and philosophical traditions of Sufism and the Islamic world, emphasizing the importance of love, devotion, and unity with the divine

Developing Nuanced Understanding

  • Studying literature from a range of historical and cultural contexts helps readers develop a more nuanced and complex understanding of the world and their place within it
    • Reading works from different time periods and cultures, such as the epic poetry of Homer, the plays of Shakespeare, the novels of Tolstoy, and the short stories of Jorge Luis Borges, expands readers' understanding of the human experience and the universality of certain themes and emotions
    • Engaging with literature from marginalized or underrepresented groups, such as the works of LGBTQ+ authors, writers of color, and women writers, helps readers develop a more inclusive and empathetic worldview and challenges dominant narratives and assumptions

Key Terms to Review (35)

1984: 1984 is a dystopian novel by George Orwell, published in 1949, which presents a terrifying vision of a totalitarian society under constant surveillance. The book explores themes of oppression, censorship, and the manipulation of truth, illustrating how language and thought can be controlled by an authoritarian regime. This work serves as a powerful critique of totalitarianism and reflects concerns about individual freedom and societal control.
Allegory: Allegory is a literary device where characters, events, and details symbolize deeper meanings and abstract concepts, often conveying moral, social, or political messages. It operates on two levels: the literal narrative and the symbolic interpretation, allowing authors to discuss complex ideas in a relatable way. Allegories can often reflect historical or cultural contexts, provide insights into human behavior, and invite readers to draw connections between the story and real-world issues.
Animal Farm: Animal Farm is a novella written by George Orwell that uses a group of farm animals to symbolize the events leading up to the Russian Revolution and the early Soviet Union. The story serves as a critique of totalitarianism and explores themes of power, corruption, and the nature of equality. By presenting complex political ideas in an accessible way, it connects with both historical events and deeper moral questions.
Beloved: The term 'beloved' refers to a person who is greatly loved or cherished. In literature, this term often conveys deep emotional connections and signifies a strong bond between characters, which can reflect broader themes such as love, loss, and memory. This word is central to understanding character motivations and the emotional landscape within a narrative, especially in contexts that explore the complexities of relationships and social struggles.
Civil rights movement: The civil rights movement was a social and political struggle during the 1950s and 1960s aimed at ending racial discrimination and securing equal rights for African Americans in the United States. It was characterized by significant activism, peaceful protests, and landmark legislation that sought to dismantle systemic racism and promote social justice. The movement's impact can be seen across various forms of literature, art, and historical documentation that reflect its urgency and importance.
Colonialism: Colonialism is the practice of acquiring full or partial control over another country or territory, often establishing settlements and exploiting resources. This process typically involves the domination of one culture over another, leading to significant political, economic, and social changes in the colonized regions. It has profoundly shaped historical narratives and cultural identities worldwide, influencing literature and artistic expression.
Cultural Context: Cultural context refers to the social, historical, and cultural background that influences the creation and interpretation of a piece of work. This context shapes the values, beliefs, and practices of a society at a particular time, impacting how themes and motifs are presented and understood. It plays a crucial role in how visual media is analyzed and helps to clarify the connotations and denotations of words and images within that framework.
Cultural Critique: Cultural critique is an analytical approach that examines and evaluates cultural practices, beliefs, and values within a specific historical and social context. It seeks to uncover the underlying power structures and ideologies that shape culture, aiming to reveal how these factors influence societal norms, identities, and experiences. This perspective is crucial for understanding literature as it often reflects and responds to the cultural contexts in which it was produced.
Great Depression: The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 until the late 1930s, marked by a significant decline in industrial output, widespread unemployment, and a steep drop in consumer spending. This event profoundly influenced the social, political, and economic fabric of many countries, shaping cultural narratives and personal experiences reflected in various forms of literature and autobiographical accounts.
Harlem Renaissance: The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural, social, and artistic explosion that took place in Harlem, New York, during the 1920s. It was a significant period for African American culture, where literature, music, visual arts, and intellectual thought flourished, reflecting a sense of pride and identity among black Americans in the wake of the Great Migration and racial segregation. This movement not only transformed African American arts but also influenced American culture as a whole, challenging the pervasive stereotypes and creating new narratives around race and identity.
Historical Context: Historical context refers to the social, political, cultural, and economic environment that surrounds and influences a particular event, text, or piece of literature. Understanding historical context helps to provide insight into the motivations, themes, and messages that authors convey through their work, as well as how these elements resonate within the time period in which they were created.
Historical fiction: Historical fiction is a literary genre that intertwines fictional narratives with real historical events, settings, and figures, allowing readers to experience the past through a blend of imagination and fact. This genre offers a unique lens to explore how historical contexts shape characters and their choices while reflecting cultural and societal norms of the time.
Identity: Identity refers to the qualities, beliefs, personality traits, appearance, and experiences that define an individual or group. It encompasses both personal identity, which relates to an individual's self-concept, and social identity, which involves the way individuals categorize themselves and are categorized by others within a cultural and historical framework.
Interpreter of Maladies: Interpreter of Maladies is a collection of short stories by Jhumpa Lahiri that explores the emotional and cultural struggles of Indian and Indian-American characters. The stories delve into themes such as isolation, communication barriers, and the complexities of relationships, often set against the backdrop of cultural dislocation and the immigrant experience.
Intertextuality: Intertextuality is the relationship between texts and how they reference or influence each other. This concept highlights how a piece of literature can be understood through its connections to other texts, shaping its meaning and impact. Intertextuality is crucial for understanding genres, as it reveals how certain conventions and styles are borrowed and transformed over time, while also situating works within their historical and cultural contexts, which influences the themes and ideas presented.
Modernism: Modernism is a cultural and artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a deliberate break from traditional styles and a focus on new forms of expression that reflect the complexities of modern life. This movement influenced various genres and subgenres, reshaped literary forms, and was a response to rapid changes in society, including industrialization, urbanization, and World War I. Modernism also deeply impacted themes and tones in poetry, emphasizing fragmentation, alienation, and the exploration of consciousness.
Night: In literature, 'Night' often symbolizes darkness, despair, and the unknown, reflecting moments of fear and uncertainty. This term is crucial in examining how various historical and cultural contexts shape narratives, especially those involving trauma, oppression, and the human condition. The imagery associated with night can evoke strong emotional responses and can be used as a powerful tool to highlight contrasts between light and darkness, hope and hopelessness.
One Hundred Years of Solitude: One Hundred Years of Solitude is a landmark novel written by Gabriel García Márquez, chronicling the multi-generational story of the Buendía family in the fictional town of Macondo. The narrative weaves together elements of magical realism with historical and cultural themes, reflecting the complexities of Latin American history and identity, while also showcasing unique perspectives that shape the reader's understanding of time and reality.
Pride and Prejudice: Pride and Prejudice is a novel by Jane Austen that explores the themes of love, class, and social expectations in early 19th-century England. The story follows Elizabeth Bennet and her evolving relationship with Mr. Darcy, highlighting how their individual pride and prejudice affect their perceptions of each other and their society. The text serves as a reflection of the historical and cultural contexts of its time, revealing how societal norms shape characters' actions and viewpoints.
Romanticism: Romanticism was an artistic, literary, and intellectual movement that emerged in the late 18th century as a reaction against the Enlightenment and industrialization. It emphasized emotion, individualism, nature, and the sublime, often celebrating human experience and imagination over reason. This movement influenced various genres, historical perspectives, and thematic explorations in literature, shaping how writers approached themes and tone.
Russian Revolution: The Russian Revolution was a series of events in 1917 that led to the overthrow of the Tsarist autocracy and the rise of the Soviet Union. This revolution was marked by two main phases: the February Revolution, which resulted in the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II, and the October Revolution, where the Bolsheviks seized power. It played a crucial role in reshaping not only Russia's political landscape but also had a profound impact on global politics, culture, and literature.
Social Commentary: Social commentary is the act of using rhetorical means to provide commentary on issues in society, often addressing social injustices, political structures, and cultural norms. It serves as a lens through which readers can examine the complexities of societal conditions, revealing underlying truths and prompting critical thought about the world around them.
Symbolism: Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, allowing deeper meanings to emerge beyond the literal interpretation. This literary device often conveys complex concepts through tangible objects, actions, or characters, enriching the narrative and connecting it to broader themes and emotions.
The Bluest Eye: The Bluest Eye is a novel by Toni Morrison, published in 1970, that tells the tragic story of an African American girl named Pecola Breedlove who longs for blue eyes and the societal acceptance that she believes comes with them. The novel explores themes of beauty, race, and identity in a deeply segregated America, reflecting the historical and cultural context of its time by addressing the damaging effects of racism and internalized self-hatred on African American individuals, particularly women.
The Grapes of Wrath: The Grapes of Wrath is a novel written by John Steinbeck, published in 1939, that tells the story of the Joad family as they journey from Oklahoma to California during the Great Depression. The novel highlights the struggles of displaced farmers and examines themes of social injustice, economic hardship, and the resilience of human spirit amidst adversity, reflecting the historical and cultural context of the time.
The Great Gatsby: The Great Gatsby is a novel written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, set in the Roaring Twenties, that explores themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream through the tragic story of Jay Gatsby and his unrequited love for Daisy Buchanan. The backdrop of the Jazz Age serves to highlight the cultural shifts and moral dilemmas of the time, while the narrative style and rich imagery contribute to its enduring significance in American literature.
The Handmaid's Tale: The Handmaid's Tale is a dystopian novel by Margaret Atwood, set in a totalitarian society called Gilead, where women have been stripped of their rights and are forced into roles based on their fertility. The story follows Offred, a Handmaid, as she navigates a world that values women solely for their ability to bear children. This narrative explores themes of oppression, identity, and resistance, reflecting historical and cultural contexts that reveal how societies can devolve into authoritarian regimes.
The Importance of Being Earnest: The Importance of Being Earnest is a comedic play written by Oscar Wilde, first performed in 1895. The play critiques Victorian society's norms and values through its use of satire, exploring themes such as identity, social obligation, and the nature of truth. Wilde uses wit and humor to challenge the seriousness with which societal expectations are often regarded, highlighting the absurdity of maintaining appearances.
The Jungle: The Jungle is a novel by Upton Sinclair published in 1906 that exposed the harsh conditions and exploitation of immigrants working in the American meatpacking industry. It served as a critical commentary on the need for social reform and the impact of industrialization on laborers, highlighting the darker side of the American Dream during the early 20th century.
The Namesake: The Namesake is a novel by Jhumpa Lahiri that explores themes of identity, cultural displacement, and the immigrant experience through the life of Gogol Ganguli, a first-generation American born to Bengali immigrant parents. The title refers to the protagonist's struggles with his name, which symbolizes the conflict between his Indian heritage and his American upbringing, making it a rich text for understanding historical and cultural contexts.
The Waste Land: The Waste Land is a landmark poem by T.S. Eliot published in 1922, often regarded as one of the most important works of 20th-century literature. It reflects the disillusionment and fragmentation of post-World War I society, showcasing a landscape filled with despair, decay, and cultural barrenness. This poem captures the zeitgeist of its era, exploring themes of loss, renewal, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.
Their Eyes Were Watching God: Their Eyes Were Watching God is a novel written by Zora Neale Hurston, published in 1937, that tells the story of Janie Crawford, an African American woman in the early 20th century. The novel explores themes of love, identity, and self-discovery against the backdrop of the Southern Black experience during a time of social change and racial inequality. It reflects the historical and cultural context of its time, highlighting the struggles and resilience of African American women.
Things Fall Apart: Things Fall Apart is a novel by Chinua Achebe that tells the story of Okonkwo, a proud and ambitious Igbo leader, and how colonialism disrupts his traditional society. The title reflects the disintegration of Igbo culture and identity in the face of European colonization, highlighting the clash between indigenous traditions and new cultural forces.
To Kill a Mockingbird: To Kill a Mockingbird is a novel by Harper Lee that explores themes of racial injustice, moral growth, and empathy through the eyes of a young girl named Scout Finch in the 1930s American South. The title serves as a metaphor for the idea that it's a sin to harm innocent beings who do no wrong, paralleling the experiences of characters like Tom Robinson and Boo Radley. This work reflects the historical tensions surrounding race relations and cultural norms of its time while also encouraging readers to consider different perspectives on morality and justice.
Victorian Era: The Victorian Era refers to the period of Queen Victoria's reign from 1837 to 1901 in the United Kingdom. This time was marked by significant social, political, and economic changes, which influenced literature and culture, highlighting themes of morality, industrialization, and the complexities of class and gender roles.
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