1. Literature and Context

2. What information is missing?
I can’t believe I got a C+ on my test.
The Taliban are heroes.

3. Adding Context I can’t believe I got a C+ on my test.
Is that a better or worse score than you expected?
The Taliban are heroes.
To whom? When? Why?

4. Definition of Context
Context is the circumstances in which an event occurs; the setting (not the literal sense)
Knowing more about the context of something helps the audience understand how it came about and to what it is referring or alluding.

6. What should you look for?
When researching both the setting and the author’s environment, look for:
Historical background
Social/Cultural biases, traditions, trends, etc.
Political situations at the time (and past if appropriate)
Any other relevant biographical information about the author (beliefs, life events, alliances, etc.)

7. How do you determine context?
Background knowledge
Clues in the literary piece itself
Research

8. Practice
1) You will be assigned one of the following poems to examine.
“The Bean Eaters”
“The Unknown Citizen”
“Bitter Strawberries”
“Dinner Guest: Me”
2) Write a thorough paragraph describing what you think the poem is about BEFORE doing any research.
3) Then research the author and poem. What can you learn about the context in which it was written?
4) Write another thorough paragraph describing how the context of the poem could help a reader to understand the poem better. Include facts about the context, as well as what has helped you to understand the poem itself.