1. Understand the significance of context in works of literature. 2
Understand the significance of context in works of literature Describe the ways in which contexts are evident within works of literature Analyse the influence of contextual information in a work of literature. Understand a range of critical perspectives. 6.1 – Explain a range of critical perspectives Evaluate literary work by one critical perspective.

2. Using two stories covered in class, write a discursive essay exploring the significance of context in literature, and the range of critical perspectives that can be used to analyse works of literature. Within your essay, you should: Describe the ways in which context can be evident in works of literature (2.1); Analyse the influence of context in each of the stories you have chosen to look at (2.2); Briefly explain a range of critical perspectives that can be used to analyse literature (6.1) Evaluate at least one of your chosen stories using a critical perspective of your choice (6.2); The word count for the assignment is 2000 words (+/-10%).

3. Understand the significance of context in works of literature. 2
Understand the significance of context in works of literature Describe the ways in which contexts are evident within works of literature Analyse the influence of contextual information in a work of literature. Understand a range of critical perspectives. 6.1 – Explain a range of critical perspectives Evaluate literary work by one critical perspective.

4. What is Context?

5. What is Context? When the text was written.
What the society was like at the time the text was written.
What or who influenced the writer
What political or social influences there would have been at the time.
What influences there may have been in the genre that may have affected the writer.
When the text was written and when it was set may also have an important part to play in what is written.

6. 1840s context - America
You will be studying a story published in America in August 1843.
Research context including–
Slavery (inc. Delphine LaLaurie)
Religion / The temperance movement
Witch craft / Superstitious beliefs
The rights of women
Views on Greek literature (the Grand Tour)
Horror fiction
Use Word to keep notes / copy and paste key info.
Please save and print.
A bit about the author…

8. The Black Cat Read the story. Is any of the following context evident?
The Temperance Movement
Slavery
Women’s rights
Using three different coloured highlighters, re-read the story and highlight anything which you believe could be linked to any of the above.

9. The Black Cat
Is there any evidence of context anywhere else in this story?
Witch craft / Superstitious beliefs
Views on Greek literature (the Grand Tour)
Horror fiction

10. Applying Critical Perspectives
Which critical perspectives do you feel would be particularly suited to apply to this story and why? – Discuss in your pair. Use your research information from last class to help you.

11. Individual Written Task
Evaluate The Black Cat by one critical perspective.
You should:
Briefly outline the perspective’s key ideas / arguments.
Use ‘key questions’ that this perspective would consider and apply them to this story.
Offer your own interpretations of how this perspective may evaluate this text.
Research critical readings of the story by others applying this perspective.
Structure your answer correctly – Point, Evidence, Explain.
Save and print off your work.