Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Cultural factors encompass the beliefs, values, customs, and traditions of a specific group or society. They shape how people perceive the world around them and influence their behaviors.
Historical factors refer to past events and conditions that have influenced literature. They provide important context for understanding cultural elements within literary works.
Social Norms: Social norms are unwritten rules or expectations established by society regarding acceptable behavior. They often reflect cultural values and play a role in shaping characters' actions in literature.
Religious Influences: Religious influences pertain to the impact of religious beliefs, rituals, symbols, or institutions on literary works. Religion often shapes characters' motivations and moral dilemmas.