Cultural and historical background of texts
Understanding Cultural and Historical Background of Texts
- Recognise that texts are a reflection of their time and place of creation.
- Be aware that the author’s personal history and cultural background can significantly influence their work.
- Realise that social norms, customs, and political ideas prevalent during a text’s creation can shape its themes, characters, and narrative.
- Note that researching the historical and cultural context of a text often reveals deeper layers of meaning.
Analytical Approaches
- Identify key events, attitudes, and ideas in the period in which the text was created.
- Consider how different historical and cultural factors might have influenced the author’s worldview and creative process.
- Recognise how the text reflects, criticises, or subverts the societal norms of its time.
- Examine how historical events or periods might be portrayed, both explicitly and allegorically, in the text.
Cultural References
- Understand the significance of cultural artefacts, practices, or traditions mentioned in the text.
- Identify how characters’ beliefs, actions, or relationships may reflect cultural norms.
- Pay attention to the language and idiom used; phrases, expressions or words unique to a culture can add depth to the text.
Historical Influences
- Recognise the effect of major historical events or periods on the text’s themes or characters.
- Understand how the author’s contemporary society may be reflected or critiqued in the text.
- Explore how the text engages with broader politics, philosophies, or ideologies of its time.
Critical Engagement
- Create arguments based on how contextual knowledge enhances understanding of the text.
- Welcome multiple readings of the same text, as cultural and historical understanding is often subjective.
- Engage with other works of literature or critical articles that discuss your chosen text for wider perspectives.
- Articulate your insights and understanding in a convincing and coherent manner through written communication.
Revision Techniques
- Compartmentalise complex texts by summarising their primary themes and contextual influences.
- Practice condensing your analytical arguments to improve clarity and brevity.
- Form flexible plans focusing on major themes within cultural and historical contexts; these can be altered to fit different question types.
- Regularly examine feedback to identify and address recurring errors.
- Balance the memorisation of dates and facts with a broader understanding of the context during revision.