StudentShare
Contact Us
Sign In / Sign Up for FREE
Search
Go to advanced search...
Free

The function of context in literary studies - Essay Example

Cite this document
Summary
Some key-point ideas of Shakespeare's "Hamlet" have historical context. First of all it is a Hamlet's idea of revenge presented by him in his soliloquy Act 4. He wanted to revenge Claudius for his father's death. Revenge was rather often used in both Denmark and England throughout history, especially in the period described in "Hamlet"…
Download free paper File format: .doc, available for editing
GRAB THE BEST PAPER94.3% of users find it useful
The function of context in literary studies
Read Text Preview

Extract of sample "The function of context in literary studies"

The function of context in literary studies Context always plays huge role in the interpretation of literary works and studies. The following examples illustrate this idea. Some key-point ideas of Shakespeare's "Hamlet" have historical context. First of all it is a Hamlet's idea of revenge presented by him in his soliloquy Act 4. He wanted to revenge Claudius for his father's death. Revenge was rather often used in both Denmark and England throughout history, especially in the period described in "Hamlet".

The ideas of ambition, deception, loyalty and retribution represented in William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" were widely spread in medieval history. Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility" has as well historical as psychological contexts. The novel takes us a good picture of customs spread in the 18th century in England. The lifestyle of the main characters of the novel, their manner of speech and behaviour turn us back to those times. Psychological context of "Sense and Sensibility" is attitude to life of two women of different psychological types.

Their behaviour, their ways of achieving their life goals and values draw us a good picture and examples of women psychology. "The Chrysanthemums" by John Steinbeck shows a distinct snapshot of the first half century American society. The novel has a real historical context as it reflects the attitude to women in that time, but there were women who try to dominate - it was the time of the first female cabinet member. So wanted Elisa that is shown in her relations with men. The male-dominated society is represented on the pages of the novel.

So, reading "The Chrysanthemums" a reader can better understand historical context of the novel, and knowing the historical context it becomes easier to follow the characters' behaviour. In "Trifles" by Susan Glaspell geographical and psychological contexts are seen. The action plays in Iowa - a reader can know it by reading about local speech and customs and other exact details. In addition it is better to understand the plot of the play knowing the psychological features of relations between women and men, especially between Minnie and her husband.

In "Sonny's Blues" by James Baldwin geographical and psychological contexts are also visible. Both brothers live in New York, and the work shows the atmosphere of the city. Sonny's predilection to drugs and all the problems connected to it can be seen in psychological and historical contexts of that time America. Baldwin's descriptions of music can be seen in bibliographical context as he liked to listen to blues and understood it very well. The poem of Marge Piercy "What's that smell in the kitchen" has an interesting cultural science and psychological contexts.

It is easier to understand this verse if a reader has a good notion about housewife's existence in American suburbs and a role woman played in daily life. So, the protest against this role is not surprising.Sources1. Web English Teacher. (http://www.webenglishteacher.com/index.html)

Read More
Cite this document
  • APA
  • MLA
  • CHICAGO
(“The function of context in literary studies Essay”, n.d.)
The function of context in literary studies Essay. Retrieved from https://studentshare.org/literature/1520059-the-function-of-context-in-literary-studies
(The Function of Context in Literary Studies Essay)
The Function of Context in Literary Studies Essay. https://studentshare.org/literature/1520059-the-function-of-context-in-literary-studies.
“The Function of Context in Literary Studies Essay”, n.d. https://studentshare.org/literature/1520059-the-function-of-context-in-literary-studies.
  • Cited: 0 times

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF The function of context in literary studies

The Behavioral Approach to Management

Their function, nevertheless, is not called a profession but accountability.... This paper "The Behavioral Approach to Management" discusses the behavioral approach to management that stresses the importance of people in an organization; that, as front liners in the attainment of specific goals, their personal needs should be appropriately regarded....
9 Pages (2250 words) Case Study

The NSW English k-6 Syllabus

studies have enumerated the importance of language in education, with many citing that when children learn a language, they not only engage in one kind of learning, but also ensures that, through learning language, they learn how to mean (Raban, Brooks, and Wolfendale 1995).... In the education context, language is vital for the comprehensive and utilization of knowledge....
7 Pages (1750 words) Case Study

The Concept of Literacy

It will seek to communicate how selected studies contribute to my understanding of literacy theories and issues.... n its most basic context, literacy refers to the ability to read to gain knowledge and coherently and critically conceptualize the written word (Kress, 2003)....
8 Pages (2000 words) Case Study

Evolving Identities in the Media Project

So to discover this issue we need to define these two phenomena within the context of this work.... The basic motive of the paper "Evolving Identities in the Media Project" is – the commercials respond to the changes of society and represent the 'popular' types of social identities within this society....
5 Pages (1250 words) Case Study

System Analysis: The Creation of a Website for African National Parks

"System Analysis: The Creation of a Website for African National Parks" paper entails collecting information to create a website by employing requirements gathering methods and formal notations.... The requirement methods and notations break down the system into sub-systems.... nbsp;… A national park's website offers a wide range of services and products; therefore, the navigation structure should give a wide range of contents and functions....
18 Pages (4500 words) Case Study

A Lesson Plan for Burpengary State Secondary School

The school's context is such that it is large enough to cater for the needs of the students using its core, elective and innovative programs, but also small enough to narrow down on each of the educational needs of the students.... This paper “A Lesson Plan for Burpengary State Secondary School” portrays the educational approaches which introduce the learners to practices that will equip them with knowledge and skill enabling them to make a meaningful contribution to the society, the workforce, and the marketplace as a whole....
11 Pages (2750 words) Case Study

Advantages and Disadvantages of Literacy and Numeracy

… The paper “Advantages and Disadvantages of Literacy and Numeracy” is an exciting example of a case study on education.... Literacy is the act of being able to read, write, and think properly about the words in writing.... A literate person should be able to understand any form of communication like pictures, body language, speaking, listening, and also by observing....
10 Pages (2500 words) Case Study

Cognitive Strategy Instruction That Improves Children's Academic Performance

Most studies have confirmed that good teaching processes are facilitated by the use of effective teaching materials, pedagogical techniques, and proven teaching programs.... Most studies have confirmed that good teaching processes are facilitated by the use of effective teaching materials, pedagogical techniques, and proven teaching programs....
12 Pages (3000 words) Case Study
sponsored ads
We use cookies to create the best experience for you. Keep on browsing if you are OK with that, or find out how to manage cookies.
Contact Us