Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Societal context refers to the social, cultural, and historical factors that influence a literary work. It includes the values, beliefs, and norms of a particular society or time period.
Related terms
Historical Context: The historical context focuses specifically on the time period in which a literary work was written or set.
Complexity refers to the intricate layers and nuances within a literary work that require careful analysis and interpretation.
Cultural Significance: Cultural significance refers to how a literary work reflects or comments on the customs, traditions, and practices of a particular culture.