Context

Introduction

“Context” as a literary device refers to the elements that surround the text or the environment in which the text is created, which help to define and add meaning to the narrative. This includes factors like the historical period, cultural background, and the personal circumstances of the author at the time of writing. Context plays a crucial role in interpreting a text, as it influences how readers perceive the story, characters, and themes.

Understanding context is essential for a deeper appreciation of a literary work because it provides insight into why characters behave as they do, why plots develop in certain ways, and what specific symbols might mean in the particular setting of the story. For example, the significance of racial inequality in Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” can be fully understood only by considering the racial tensions of the American South during the 1930s.

Pronunciation: /’kɒntekst/

When do writers use Context literary device?

Writers use the context literary device to ground their narrative in a specific setting that influences and enhances the story. By embedding their plot and character development within a well-defined milieu, authors provide a framework that helps readers understand the motivations, conflicts, and resolutions in the story.

Context is particularly important in historical and culturally rich narratives, where the background helps set the tone and intentions of the work. For example, the context of war-torn Europe is crucial in understanding the desperation and moral questions explored in Hemingway’s “A Farewell to Arms.” It also helps in non-fiction writing, where the context can provide the necessary background for understanding complex ideas or arguments.

How should I use Context literary device?

When using context as a literary device in your writing, consider the following rules:

1. Research Thoroughly: Ensure you have a deep understanding of the historical, social, and cultural setting of your story. This background will lend authenticity and depth to your narrative.
2. Integrate Seamlessly: Context should not be presented as a separate exposition; rather, it should be woven into the narrative through settings, dialogues, and character backgrounds.
3. Use it to Enhance Themes: Let the context drive the central themes of your story. For instance, a story set during a revolution could naturally explore themes of freedom and oppression.
4. Be Mindful of Perspective: Remember that context can vary significantly depending on the perspectives of different characters. Use this to add complexity to your narrative by presenting diverse views influenced by different historical or cultural contexts.
5. Avoid Overloading: While context is critical, avoid overwhelming the reader with excessive historical detail that detracts from the plot and character development.

Using context effectively ensures that your literary work resonates more profoundly with readers, giving them a fuller, richer understanding of the narrative and its significance.

Types of Context

Context in literature can generally be categorized into several types, each contributing uniquely to the narrative’s depth and authenticity:

1. Historical Context: Refers to the time period in which the story is set or was written. It includes the political, social, and economic conditions that influence the characters and plot.
2. Cultural Context: Encompasses the beliefs, customs, and norms of the society depicted in the narrative. This type of context helps readers understand character behaviors and societal interactions.
3. Geographical Context: Involves the physical setting, location, and environment where the story takes place. It can affect everything from the plot’s possibilities to the characters’ lifestyles.
4. Biographical Context: Relates to the life of the author and how personal experiences, values, and emotions are reflected in the work.
5. Social Context: Highlights the societal structures and classes that influence the characters and their relationships. This can include themes of inequality, gender roles, and family dynamics.

Each of these types of context helps to shape a reader’s understanding and interpretation of a story, providing multiple layers of depth that enrich the narrative.

Context in Literature

Here are some famous examples of context in literature, showcasing how setting, culture, and historical periods shape narratives:

1. “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen: Offers a keen insight into the norms and values of 19th-century British society, exploring themes of marriage, wealth, and social status.
2. “1984” by George Orwell: Set in a dystopian future where government surveillance and public manipulation reflect the political fears of the time it was written.
3. “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Captures the extravagance and moral decadence of the 1920s in America, providing a critical view of the American Dream.
4. “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe: Provides cultural and historical context for the colonial impact on African societies, focusing on Igbo culture before and after European influence.
5. “Beloved” by Toni Morrison: Explores the historical context of slavery and its aftermath in America, deeply influencing the narrative structure and character development.

Context in Children’s Books

Children’s books often utilize context to teach lessons, explain historical events, or convey cultural heritage. Here are some notable examples:

1. “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak: Though primarily fantastical, it subtly explores themes of anger, imagination, and family dynamics through the eyes of a child.
2. “Number the Stars” by Lois Lowry: Set during World War II, this book provides historical context to explain the horrors of war and the importance of bravery and friendship.
3. “The Name Jar” by Yangsook Choi: Uses cultural context to address issues of immigration and identity as a young Korean girl tries to fit into her new American school.
4. “Madeline” by Ludwig Bemelmans: Set in Paris, it gives a geographical context that enriches the adventures of a young girl in a boarding school.
5. “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats: Highlights the urban setting and the simple joys and challenges it brings to a young child experiencing snow.

Context in Poetry

Context is also a powerful tool in poetry, enriching the imagery and themes conveyed. Here are some famous examples:

1. “The Waste Land” by T.S. Eliot: This poem is deeply embedded in the post-World War I disillusionment, utilizing cultural and historical references to craft a narrative of despair and hopelessness.
2. “Dulce et Decorum Est” by Wilfred Owen: Provides stark historical context of World War I, critiquing the glorification of war and its brutal reality.
3. “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou: Reflects the cultural and social context of African American struggle and resilience against discrimination and hardship.
4. “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost: Though often seen as a personal reflection, it also touches upon the broader context of choices and consequences in an individual’s life.
5. “Ode to a Nightingale” by John Keats: Captures the romantic and existential angst of the Romantic era, using natural imagery to delve into themes of mortality and transcendence.

Context in Songs

Songs often weave rich context into their lyrics, reflecting the cultural, social, or personal backdrop against which they were written. Here are 10 famous examples where context plays a key role:

1. “Hurricane” by Bob Dylan – Tells the story of Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, a boxer wrongly imprisoned for murder, highlighting racial injustices of the 1960s.
2. “Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen – A critique of the treatment of Vietnam veterans in America, set against a backdrop of national pride and personal despair.
3. “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar – Reflects the contemporary African American experience, addressing issues of police brutality and systemic racism.
4. “Ohio” by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – Written about the Kent State shootings in 1970, providing a raw look at the political and social unrest during that era.
5. “London Calling” by The Clash – Captures the fears of the Cold War and concerns of economic instability in late 1970s Britain.
6. “This Land is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie – Originally a response to Irving Berlin’s “God Bless America,” it highlights the disparity and injustices across different American landscapes.
7. “Zombie” by The Cranberries – Discusses the violence in Northern Ireland, particularly the 1993 Warrington bombings.
8. “The Times They Are a-Changin’” by Bob Dylan – Serves as an anthem for change, reflecting the civil rights movement and societal shifts of the 1960s.
9. “Strange Fruit” by Billie Holiday – A poignant and disturbing commentary on the lynching of African Americans in the South.
10. “Mississippi Goddam” by Nina Simone – Written in response to the assassination of Medgar Evers and the Birmingham church bombing, criticizing slow progress on civil rights issues.

Context in Movies

Movies use context to deepen narratives, develop characters, or to highlight broader societal issues. Here are some notable examples:

1. “Schindler’s List” – Set during World War II, focusing on the Holocaust to underline themes of cruelty, redemption, and survival.
2. “Forrest Gump” – The story traverses several decades of American history, with the protagonist unwittingly influencing and witnessing key historical events.
3. “Do the Right Thing” – Takes place on a hot day in Brooklyn, examining racial tensions and urban life in America.
4. “Casablanca” – Set during World War II, reflecting themes of love, sacrifice, and moral ambiguity in times of war.
5. “The Godfather” – Provides a look into the American-Italian mafia context, exploring themes of power, family, and crime.
6. “Mad Max: Fury Road” – Set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, it explores themes of survival, tyranny, and rebellion.
7. “Gladiator” – Revolves around the historical context of Ancient Rome, focusing on themes of revenge and honor.
8. “Selma” – Depicts the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches, illustrating the struggle and context of the civil rights movement.
9. “Blade Runner” – Set in a dystopian future, it uses its setting to explore themes of humanity, technology, and identity.
10. “Parasite” – Highlights the economic disparities in South Korean society, using its setting to explore class conflict and social stratification.

Famous movie line highlighting Context

In “Casablanca,” the line “We’ll always have Paris” by Humphrey Bogart’s character, Rick, powerfully encapsulates the context of past romance amidst the turmoil of World War II, emphasizing nostalgia and lost love as a backdrop to the present conflict.

YouTube link of any relevant movie clip demonstrating Context

Casablanca – “We’ll Always Have Paris” Scene: Watch on YouTube

Context in Advertising

Context in advertising can significantly impact the message’s effectiveness. Here are some famous examples:

1. Apple’s “1984” Super Bowl Ad – Introduced the Apple Macintosh during a time of rising concerns about technology and individuality.
2. Coca-Cola’s “Hilltop” Ad – Created in 1971, this ad promoted a message of global harmony and peace during a time of political conflict and social change.
3. Dove’s “Real Beauty” Campaign – Challenges societal standards of beauty, focusing on real women of different shapes, sizes, and backgrounds.
4. Nike’s “Just Do It” Campaign – Empowers individuals of all athletic abilities to strive for personal greatness, tapping into the fitness craze of the late 80s.
5. Old Spice’s “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” Campaign – Revitalized the brand by introducing humor and a new context for masculinity in body wash products.

Context-related Literary Devices

Several literary devices relate directly to the use of context:

1. Setting – Establishes the time, place, and social circumstances in which a story unfolds.
2. Backdrop – Provides a general background for the story to give readers a sense of the world the characters live in.
3. Foreshadowing – Uses contextual clues to hint at events that will occur later in the story.
4. Cultural References – Involves mentioning specific cultural phenomena to set the scene or enhance the narrative’s relatability.
5. Historical References – Use of specific historical events or figures to anchor the story in a particular period or to influence the plot development.

These devices help create a rich, immersive world that engages readers by grounding the story in a relatable or well-defined context.