Exploring Cultural Context Examples in Literature
What makes literature so fascinating is that it represents a reflection of the society we live in. It gives us a glimpse into the culture of a particular place and time. Our understanding of a piece of literature depends on our ability to contextualize it.
The culture that an author comes from often influences their writing style, the themes they explore, and even their choice of language. In this article, we will explore some cultural context examples in literature that shed light on the importance of context in understanding literature.
The Importance of Understanding Cultural Context in Literature
Culture plays a significant role in shaping an author’s worldview and thereby the themes and messages conveyed in their literary works. It is essential to understand the cultural and historical context in which a piece of literature was written because we need to familiarize ourselves with the prevailing attitudes, beliefs, and values of a society to understand what it was attempting to convey.
For instance, if we read any of Shakespeare’s plays, we need to be aware that he wrote during the Elizabethan era. This means that the plays reflect the cultural and social norms, values, and beliefs of the era. The themes and characters explored in the plays are influenced by Elizabethan culture. Without an understanding of the cultural context, we would struggle to comprehend why Shakespeare wrote what he did.
Cultural Context Examples in Literature
One of the most acclaimed American novels of the 20th century is The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The novel is set in the Roaring Twenties, a time when American society was going through significant changes. The culture of the era was marked by a newfound freedom, a willingness to challenge old ideas and norms, and women’s newfound freedom. The Great Gatsby portrays these cultural shifts and challenges through its portrayal of the characters and their interactions with each other.
In Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, the cultural context is that of late-colonial Nigeria. The novel tells the story of an Ibo village’s disintegration as a result of European colonization. The novel’s main character, Okonkwo, is a leader in the village who is determined to resist the advances of the colonialists. The novel explores the theme of cultural clash between the traditional Nigerian society and the Western colonial society.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cultural context is an essential aspect of literature. Understanding the historical and cultural context in which a piece of literature was created is crucial to appreciate its message fully. We can better comprehend the themes explored, the characters portrayed, and the language used if we have an awareness of the culture that it came out of. The cultural context examples we’ve explored in this article illustrate the importance of considering cultural context when analyzing a piece of literature.
