context meaning in english essay

Definition of Context

Context is the background, environment, setting , framework, or surroundings of events or occurrences. Simply, context means circumstances forming a background of an event, idea, or statement, in such a way as to enable readers to understand the narrative or a literary piece. It is necessary for writing to provide information, new concepts, and words to develop thoughts.

Whenever writers use a quote or a fact from some source, it becomes necessary to provide their readers some information about the source, to give context to its use. This piece of information is called context. Context illuminates the meaning and relevance of the text and maybe something cultural, historical, social, or political.

Difference Between Content and Context

Content is a written text, while context is a place or situation. Although a text is not a context, content could present context within it. For example, if there occurs a statement in a certain text, it is content in its own right but it is also the context of that statement. It would show what comes next and what comes before that specific statement. Hence, it presents the context that is the place, situation or even atmosphere .

Rhetorical Context: Purpose, Author, and Audience

Although the context in literature is something different, it is different in rhetoric , too. In literary writings, it is just the situation where some statement or characters or events take place. However, in rhetoric, it is not just the text, it is also the purpose of the writing, its author and its audience that matter the most. They make up the context of that rhetorical piece. The reason is that rhetoric is specifically intended to be used for a specific purpose and by a specific person, or it loses its real purpose as well as its effectiveness.

Use of Context in Sentences

• This story was written in the 19 th century after the end of the Civil War. (The context mentions – when)
• Gandhi studied law in South Africa before returning to India and starting the Freedom Movement. (The context mentions – where)
• Harry Potter was published in 1997 by Bloomsbury, United Kingdom. (The context mentions when and where)
• Ivan heard ‘Bonjour’ as soon as he landed at the airport and saw the tower’s top on the way to the exit. (The context mentions a setting and the character is abroad)
• The English Tommies with their weapons entered the buildings to secure the area. (The context mentions the time period of WW1, when soldiers were called ‘Tommies’)

Examples of Context in Literature

Example #1: a tale of two cities by charles dickens.

Dickens begins his novel , A Tale of Two Cities , in 1770, by describing the release of Doctor Manette from Bastille, before taking the story to 1793 and early 1794. In this time span, the narrative covers a broad story. In a larger view, this novel begins in 1757, while its final scene looks forward to the situation in post-revolutionary Paris.

This story has a historical context, which Dickens has organized around various events that occurred during the French Revolution. He has drawn historical features from major events, including the fall of Bastille, the September Massacres, and the Reign of Terror. This backdrop is the story’s context.

Example #2: Animal Farm by George Orwell

George Orwell felt disillusioned by Soviet Communism and its revolution during his time. In the phenomenal novel, Animal Farm , Orwell has expressed himself by using satire through the allegorical characters of Old Major and Boxer; relating them to the Russian Revolution and its characters. Orwell uses animals to explain the history and context of Soviet Communism, some of which relate to party leaders. For instance, the pig Napoleon represents Joseph Stalin, and Snowball represents Leon Trotsky. In fact, Orwell uses this fable for political and aesthetic reasons, following the Russian Revolution as its context.

Example #3: Dr. Faustus by Christopher Marlowe

Historical context of Christopher Marlowe ’s Dr. Faustus is religious, as it hints at cultural changes taking place during Marlowe’s time. In 16th century Europe, there was a conflict between Roman Catholicism and the Protestant English Church. During this entire period, Calvinism was popular within the English churches; however, it was controversial. According to Calvinistic doctrine, the status of the people was predestined as saved or damned. Scholars and readers have debated on the stance that Marlowe’s play takes regarding the Calvinist doctrine, in whether Faustus is predestined to hell or not. The Renaissance period provides context for this play by Marlowe.

Example #4: Oedipus Rex by Sophocles

There is a popular saying that stories indicate the values and cultures of the societies in which their authors live. In Oedipus Rex , Sophocles presents his protagonist , Oedipus, struggling to implement his will against the destiny set forth by the Greek gods. During this process, Sophocles reveals the Greek values of the period during which he wrote the play.

He has illustrated the context of this play through the words and actions of Oedipus and other characters; as their Greek ideals concerning their governance, fate, and human relationships with the gods. These were some of the more popular themes of that era, and so form the context of the Oedipus Rex .

Example #5: Lord of the Flies by William Golding

“While stranded on a deserted island, a group of boys believe there is a dangerous creature lurking in the underbrush; Simon is the first to identify this menace, suggesting to the boys that ‘maybe,’ he said hesitantly, ‘maybe there is a beast’.”

This excerpt provides an excellent example of context, as it narrates an incident involving a group of young men on a deserted island. The context describes why they were afraid, giving a clear picture of the situation and setting.

Context is all about providing a background or picture of the situation, and of who is involved. Context is an essential part of a literary text, which helps to engage the audience. If writers ignore context, they may overlook a critical aspect of the story’s intent. Without context, readers may not see the true picture of a literary work. Context helps readers understand the cultural, social, philosophical, and political ideas and movements prevalent in society at the time of the writing.

Synonyms of Context

Context does not have an equivalent, it has several synonyms that could replace it in different contexts. For example, conditions, factors, surroundings, state of affairs, environment, situation, background, milieu, mood , ambiance, subject , text, theme , or topic.

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What is Context — Definition and Examples for Writers

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C ontext has the ability to change the meaning of a story and how we view its characters — but what is context? We’re going to answer that question by looking at examples from The Office, In Cold Blood and more. We’ll also look at some tips and tricks for how you can effectively implement this necessary element in your own stories. By the end, you’ll know why context is so important and how to apply it in a variety of different ways. But before we jump into our examples, let’s define context.

Content vs Context Definition

What does context mean.

Whether we realize it or not, context is all around us. It is the fundamental way we come to understand people, situations and ideas. Everything that we think, say, see, hear, and do is a response to the external stimuli of the world.

And how we regard that stimuli is largely in response to the context it’s presented to us in. For more on this idea, check out the video from the University of Auckland below.

What is Context? By University of Auckland

So you’re probably thinking, “Okay that’s fine and good and all, but what is context? Surely the meaning can’t be so vague.” Well, it is and it isn’t.

But by understanding the essential aspects of the term, we’re better prepared to apply it in meaningful ways. So without further ado, let’s dive into a formal context definition.

CONTEXT DEFINITION

What is context.

Context is the facets of a situation, fictional or non-fictional, that inspire feelings, thoughts and beliefs of groups and individuals. It is the background information that allows people to make informed decisions. Most of the time, the view of a person on a subject will be made in response to the presented context. In storytelling, it is everything that surrounds the characters and plot to give both a particular perspective. No story takes place without contextual information and elements.

Characteristics of Context:

• Information that’s presented to us
• Used in an argumentative sense
• Biased/subjective form of education

ContextUal Information

Context clues : in and out of context.

In terms of storytelling, there are only two kinds of context: narrative and non-narrative. The former gives us information on the story and the latter gives us information on everything outside of the story.

Narrative types of context include: 

Narrative context is everything that explains “what’s going on” in a story. Take a comedy series like The Office for example: there are a lot of moments in the show that wouldn’t make sense without contextual information — and there just so happens to be a video that explores The Office “out of context.”

What Does Context Mean in The Office?

Even the most ardent fans of The Office may find themselves asking, “what in the world is going on?” when presented with these clips out of context. On social media channels, moments from film and television are often presented like this — like this screen grab from The Good Place .

Context Definition and Examples

In a sense, out of context moments have become a type of humor in and of themselves. But it’s important that we also consider how information outside of the narrative may influence our feelings on the story.

Non-narrative types of context include:

Non-narrative context is everything outside the story that influences our thoughts and opinions on the subject matter. Take Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood for example: when we learn of the circumstances outside of the subject matter, it’s impossible for us to feel the same way about the story.

In Cold Blood is an investigative novel about the murder of a family of four in Holcomb, Kansas. Capote started writing about the murders in earnest before expanding his research into a full-fledged novel — the end result speaks for itself — not only is Capote’s prose considered some of the greatest of all-time, but it also pioneered true-crime writing.

But when In Cold Blood is viewed through the context of the man who wrote it, the setting it took place in, and the precedence of its writing, the meaning is liable to change. The two convicted murderers in the novel, Perry Smith and Dick Hickock, were interviewed by Capote through the writing process.

Their testimony is admitted in the novel, but filtered by Capote. So, for us to say their testimonies are veracious would be irresponsible, considering the context through which it was written.

Elsewhere, critics argue that we can only judge a piece of art based on the merit of the art itself, not the context it was created in. French literary theorist Roland Barthes said that “text” can only speak for itself and that the thoughts and feelings of the author should have no impact on its merit. For more on this “The Death of the Author” theory, watch the video below.

Exploring Context Clues  •  Lindsay Ellis on ‘The Death of the Author’

In recent years, many fans have criticized J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books in light of her political views. Some critics argue that her views change the meaning of the novels. Others argue that her views should have no impact. Alas, there’s no “right” answer, but it’s important to consider how context, both inside and outside of a story, can influence readers.

Context Clues Set the Stage

How to use context as exposition.

There’s a word in screenwriting that most screenwriters shutter to hear… and that word is exposition . Ah yes, the dreaded exposition — or explanatory description — has been known to sink more than a few good scripts. So, how do screenwriters use exposition effectively? Well, it starts with a need for context. When I say need, I mean the story would have no impact without it.

We imported the On the Waterfront screenplay into StudioBinder’s screenwriting software to look at an iconic scene where context is the primary force behind exposition. 

In this scene, Terry details how Charley and Johnny abandoned him. This backstory, or exposition, adds the necessary context needed to make Terry’s exclamation, “I coulda’ been a contender!” impactful.

Click the link below to read the scene.

What is Context?  •   Read the On the Waterfront Screenplay

This explanatory description establishes a context in which we’re able to see that Terry has endured “years of abuse.” The context is further executed as Terry laments the actions of his best friends. Think of it this way: proper exposition should act like a tea-kettle; each relevant detail making the kettle hotter and hotter — or more contextual and more contextual — until — the tension is released… and whoosh, the conflict is resolved. 

How to Add Context Clues

Tips for incorporating context.

Context plays a huge role in guiding the attention and emotional attachment of the audience. Say a character does something really bad, like kill another character. Our natural inclination is to vilify them, but if their actions are given context, we might view their actions as heroic.

Take Ridley Scott’s Gladiator for example: when Maximus kills Commodus, we view him as the hero. Let’s take a look at how this scene plays out:

Context Examples in Gladiator

In context, Maximus’ actions are justified. Commodus killed Maximus’ family and rigged the fight against him. As such, it makes sense that we root for his death. Here are some tips for how to incorporate context in your own works:

• Create empathy for your protagonist
• Vilify your antagonist
• Maximize conflict
• Develop themes
• Callback to prior events

By utilizing these strategies, you’ll create narrative continuity. Context relies on the impact of the past, so you should be mindful of the character’s pasts at all times when writing. 

What is a Plot?

Context may be what informs our understanding of a story’s events, but it would mean nothing if there weren’t events to be informed of. Plot refers to the events and actions that take place within a story — and it’s an essential aspect of every narrative. In this next article, we look at how plot is used in Die Hard to connect narrative threads from beginning to end!

Up Next: Plot Definition and Examples →

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What Is Context? Definition, Usage, and Literary Examples

Context definition.

Context  (KAHN-tekst) is the circumstances that inform an event, an idea, or a statement. It is the detail that adds meaning to a text. Readers can study internal context—details included by the author, such as backstory,  characterization , or  setting —as well as external context—the time period of the work’s publication, the author’s literary influences, and even their personal history.

Imagine context as a bridge between the writer and the reader that clarifies a text’s meaning and purpose. Authors provide these details to ensure a story is richly developed and true to life, and readers consider external context to understand a story’s broader significance.

Types of Context

There are several types of literary context, but the following are the most common applications.

Authorial Context

A writer’s experiences inevitably inform their writing, from content to style. This  biographical  context can refer to an author’s life history, a text’s place in an author’s body of work, the author’s success, the circumstances in which a text was written, current events at the time of publication, and even an author’s motivation for writing a text.

Historical Context

Literature is often influenced by history. Historical novels are directly grounded in past events and circumstances, but historical context also encompasses how literature reflects or responds to the society in which it was written. This can manifest as intentional criticism, in which an author addresses a social issue and perhaps argues for change (e.g., Jonathan Swift’s “ A Modest Proposal ,” his satirical indictment of the aristocracy). However, literature can also unconsciously reflect attitudes or beliefs predominant at the time of composition.  Gone with the Wind  is a beloved classic, but modern audiences often criticize its sanitized portrayal of slavery.

Philosophical Context

Literature addresses age-old questions of metaphysics, ethics, and morality. It ponders the purpose of life, the nature of God or the universe, right versus wrong, death, time—the list goes on. Philosophies go in and out of style, and the great literary movements were influenced by philosophies that waxed and waned over time.  Romanticism  was followed by  realism , which was followed by transcendentalism and then  naturalism , modernism, postmodernism, and so on. Each of these movements was influenced by contemporaneous philosophical thought, and readers can learn much about a text by researching those concepts, the associated philosophers, and the author’s stance on the issue.

Literary Context

Allusion  is a common demonstration of literary context, in which one text indirectly references another. But literary context can include several different things, such as an author’s role models or the way one text influences another. Literary context also considers how a text fits into broad categories of literature, such as the aforementioned literary movements.

How Writers Use Context

Writers use context to engage, inform, and entertain readers. These details establish the  narrative ’s  setting  and the author’s  motivation  for writing, and they help propel the action. Context adds authenticity, helping a story reflect readers’ experiences and securing their investment in the text. Like most literary tools, moderation is essential when it comes to context. Too much of it can burden a story, rendering it boring or incomprehensible.

Context can be conveyed through just about anything— characterization , setting, backstory, memory, dialogue, and so on. If a detail informs readers’ understanding of the text, engages their intellect or emotions, or hooks their interest, then it can be used as context. However, specificity is key. By choosing what context to include, and when and how to do so, writers can guide readers’ interpretation of a text. They can also incorporate specific details to better anchor a story in a particular time or place. Consider the HBO miniseries  Chernobyl . It is ostensibly about the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster in Pripyat, Russia, but the show’s true focus is government lies and corruption. The show uses the context of Soviet Russia to elicit nostalgia and cultural memory, emphasizing how modern politics echo that of the Cold War era.

Context can also inspire. A writer might reflect upon their life and realize they have a unique point of view worth sharing. They can use the context of their lives to communicate that perspective to the world. When a writer does this well, they spark understanding within readers, helping them make new connections and realizations.

Context and Literary Analysis

Publication opens a work up to criticism, including literary analysis, which dissects and evaluates literature to make connections that general audiences may have missed. Literary analysis hinges on context. Scholars and critics engage in close reading to discover deeper meaning, identify narrative patterns or themes, and detect influences, then analyze and synthesize their findings. They bring these disparate details together like puzzle pieces to explain why and how a text is significant and how it fits into culture and literature in general.

Writers’  Vernacular  and Context Clues

When a reader encounters an unfamiliar word, they study the surrounding text to discern its meaning. This process of gleaning connotation is called using context clues. These are details that directly or indirectly suggest information about a word, phrase, or situation.

There are several types of context clues, the following five being the most common.

• Definition and explanation : There’s nothing subtle about these context clues, as the author clarifies the word’s intended meaning directly in the text.
• Inferences : When a word or idea is not explained within the same sentence, readers must decipher the writer’s implied or indirect meaning from the surrounding text.
• Synonyms and comparison : Synonyms draw comparisons that clarify, refine, or emphasize a writer’s meaning.
• Antonyms and contrast : Antonyms convey an opposite meaning to underscore contrast or disparity.
• Punctuation : Writers can use punctuation to several effects, such as conveying emotion (e.g., using exclamation points to express anger) or implying meaning (e.g., using parenthetical asides to suggest confidentiality).

Examples of Context in Literature

1. Margaret Atwood,  The Handmaid’s Tale

Set in a dystopian near-future,  The Handmaid’s Tale  follows Offred and other subjugated women who strive to reclaim their independence after a theonomic totalitarian state called Gilead usurps the US government. This quote comes from Chapter 6, as Offred and fellow handmaiden Ofglen observe the corpses of people murdered by the state:

Ordinary, said Aunt Lydia, is what you are used to. This may not seem ordinary to you now, but after a time it will. It will become ordinary.

Gripped by horror, Offred recalls these words, which suggest that “ordinary” is a matter of perspective and that, in time, Gilead’s atrocities will seem normal. Aunt Lydia’s assurance that murder, oppression, and subjugation can become commonplace, even routine, reveals the depth of Gilead’s power and depravity.

2. Charles Dickens,  A Tale of Two Cities

This novel, set before and during the French Revolution, tells the story of Doctor Alexandre Menette, who is imprisoned in the Bastille for 18 years then moves to London to reunite with his daughter Lucie. Dickens contextualizes the setting in the very first paragraph:

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way—in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.

This passage immediately establishes that the novel’s main  conflicts  revolve around binary extremes, such as good and evil or wisdom and folly. This signals that the story is rife with contradiction and controversy, and that the setting is full of tension but also hope.

3. Tim O’Brien, “ The Things They Carried ”

This is the eponymous short story in a collection of tales about the Vietnam War. The story reflects on the things soldiers carry with them into war:

To carry something was to hump it, as when Lieutenant Jimmy Cross humped his love for Martha up the hills and through the swamps. In its intransitive form, to hump meant to walk, or to march, but it implied burdens far beyond the intransitive.

The opening phrase is a context clue that directly explains the author’s meaning. The passage further explains that although  hump  has alternative meanings, such as “to walk” or “to march,” in this context it means something more abstract, something heavy and grim.

Further Resources on Context

This  Writing Cooperative article  explains how context builds trust between the writer and their audience, and why that relationship is so important.

ThoughtCo provides a  more thorough look at context clues —and their limitations.

This resource from Harper College  explains the textual elements (including context) used to analyze literature.

Related Terms

• Characterization
• Point of View

Understanding context: What is it and how to write about it?

What does your teacher mean when they discuss context? Learn more here.

In English Advanced HSC, context stands as a pivotal element, wielding the power to shape our comprehension of texts, our ability to craft insightful essays, and even our capacity for imaginative expression. To write without acknowledging the significance of context is akin to navigating uncharted waters without a compass. In this blog, we delve into the multifaceted concept of context, unravelling its layers and exploring its profound influence on our understanding of literature.

What is context? 

Context, in its essence, encompasses the myriad of factors that surround and influence a text. It serves as the backdrop against which the narrative unfolds, shedding light on the socio-cultural, historical, and personal circumstances that inform the author's perspective and shape the thematic underpinnings of the text. Understanding context is akin to peering through a window into the world in which the text was conceived, allowing us to discern the nuances and intricacies embedded within its fabric.

Text vs Context

Central to the study of English Advanced is the recognition of the symbiotic relationship between text and context. Just as context imbues meaning into the text, the text, in turn, serves as a reflection of the context from which it emerged. Consider, for instance, Shakespeare's timeless tragedy, "Macbeth." Set amidst the tumultuous political landscape of 17th-century Scotland, the play explores themes of ambition, power, and the corrupting influence of unchecked desire. By delving into the historical context of Shakespeare's era, students gain a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of the text, recognizing how societal norms and political tensions of the time permeate the narrative.

Types of context

Context manifests in various forms, each wielding its influence on the interpretation of a text. Among the myriad dimensions of context are:

Historical Context : This encompasses the historical events, cultural norms, and societal values prevalent during the period in which the text was written. For instance, a study of Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" necessitates an exploration of the scientific advancements and philosophical debates of the Romantic era.

Cultural Context : Cultural context encompasses the customs, traditions, and belief systems of the society in which the text is situated. Consider how Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" provides insight into the Igbo culture of pre-colonial Nigeria, offering a lens through which students can examine themes of cultural collision and identity.

Authorial Context : Understanding the author's life experiences, beliefs, and intentions provides invaluable insight into the creation of the text. For example, an exploration of Sylvia Plath's tumultuous life journey sheds light on the deeply personal themes of mental illness and female identity explored in her poetry.

The Reflective Nature of Context

Beyond its role in textual analysis, the study of context inherently prompts students to reflect on their own context—the socio-cultural milieu in which they exist. As students grapple with the historical, cultural, and personal dimensions of context, they are compelled to interrogate their perspectives and assumptions, fostering a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Why is context important?

In the realm of essay writing, context serves as the cornerstone upon which compelling arguments are constructed. By contextualizing their analysis within the socio-historical framework of the text, students can offer nuanced interpretations and engage in critical dialogue with the text. Moreover, in imaginative writing, context provides fertile ground for creativity, inspiring students to reimagine familiar narratives through the lens of alternate historical or cultural contexts.

How do I write about context? 

Writing about context entails a multifaceted approach aimed at unravelling the layers of meaning embedded within a text. Firstly, it is imperative to conduct thorough research into the historical, cultural, and authorial contexts surrounding the text, seeking to understand the socio-cultural milieu in which it was produced. This involves delving into primary sources, scholarly analyses, and biographical information to glean insights into the societal norms, values, and events that shaped the author's worldview.

Once armed with a comprehensive understanding of the context, it is essential to integrate this knowledge seamlessly into one's analysis. Context should not merely serve as a standalone element but should be interwoven with textual evidence to support and enrich one's interpretations. Drawing parallels between historical events and themes explored in the text, or analyzing how cultural norms influence character motivations and actions, allows for a nuanced exploration of the text's significance.

Furthermore, writing about context necessitates critical reflection and engagement with the text, encouraging students to interrogate the implications of context on the narrative's meaning and relevance. By employing analytical frameworks such as Modernism or Feminist Criticism, students can uncover hidden layers of meaning and offer insightful interpretations that transcend the boundaries of the text itself. Ultimately, writing about context is an exercise in literary excavation, unearthing the hidden treasures of meaning that lie beneath the surface of the text

In English Advanced, context emerges as a guiding light, illuminating the intricate relationship between text and circumstance. By embracing context as a lens through which to interpret literature, students not only deepen their understanding of texts but also prompt profound reflection on their place within the ever-unfolding narrative of human experience. 

Let us heed the words of T.S. Eliot: 

"We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time."

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When people use language, their words exist in a specific environment, a unique  context  that plays a role in shaping their meaning. Factors like social norms and cultural beliefs impact how speakers and writers use language and how those around them interpret it. Variables such as where we use certain words and how we communicate them also shape our understanding. The context people use in language is thus critical to understanding the meaning of speech and writing.

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Meaning of Context in the English Language

In English, the word context refers to the circumstances surrounding language that shape its meaning. The term encompasses physical setting, historical background, and political and socioeconomic factors connected to how people use words.

Context in Writing

Context, context, context.

Written context refers to the circumstances in which a text is situated.

For instance, this includes the time period in which the author wrote the text and the social and political forces that impacted the text. Understanding a text's context helps readers understand its meaning.

For example, if a reader is analyzing George Orwell's book 1984 (1949), they have to consider what was going on in the place and time it was written : the United Kingdom in 1949. During this time, there was widespread social anxiety about the threat of totalitarianism and technological developments. These social fears shaped George Orwell's ideas regarding what the world would look like in the future and led to his novel about a surveilled dystopian society.

Context in Speaking

There's another kind of context, though.

Spoken context refers to the circumstances in which the speech takes place.

The context includes the speaker's physical setting, the surrounding culture, and social circumstances. The context of speech influences how listeners understand what is said.

For example, imagine a woman who wants to break up with her long-time boyfriend. If she chooses to have this important conversation at a loud party, he might not understand the severity of the situation. However, if she sits him down when they are alone in a quiet place, he might realize more quickly that she is serious.

Another famous example of how a speech's context impacts its meaning is Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1963 "I Have a Dream" speech. When analyzing the meaning and significance of this speech, people have to consider the importance of its context: the March on Washington. This march was a large protest in which 250,000 people met in Washington, DC, to resist racial segregation. King gave his speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial, where there is a statue of Abraham Lincoln, the president whose leadership paved the way for the end of slavery. Understanding the historical significance of the speech's location and the social pressures of King's time all shape a listener's understanding of his words.

Importance of Context in Language

There are many reasons why it is important to consider context. Above all, understanding the context of language helps people understand its intended meaning.

For example, consider Harper Lee's novel To Kill A Mockingbird (1960). In this text, Lee uses language that would be considered inappropriate today, such as the N-word. Analyzing the historical context helps readers understand how this word operates in the text.

Lee wrote the novel in 1960, when racial segregation was legal and African American civil rights were an important social and political issue in the United States. There was rampant racism in the American South, especially in small towns like the fictional Maycomb, Alabama. Lee aimed to portray the harsh racism that existed in these towns to tell a story that advocated for the end of systemic racism.

Understanding historical and social context like this helps readers understand the meaning behind Lee's use of offensive language.

Lee's use of the word caused several libraries to ban the book for years. Taken out of context, her use of the N-word is understandably alarming. However, when taken in its appropriate context, readers can understand that Lee was not using that word in an offensive manner herself but rather portraying how racism operated in small Southern towns like the one where her story takes place.

Types of Context in Language

The main types of context in language are historical context, sociocultural context, and situational context.

Historical Context

Everything has a historical context.

Historical context refers to the time and place where a text was written.

It includes the defining circumstances of a historical period, such as how people behaved and what they believed during that time.

For instance, Ernest Hemingway wrote his novel The Sun Also Rises (1926) in the 1920s. The book is about the disillusionment among his post-World War I generation, particularly those who, like him, moved away from the United States to Europe. The characters are cynical, restless, and struggle to find meaning in anything around them. To understand the implications of their behavior, readers have to consider how WWI's brutal historical context changed people's views on life. Knowing this context helps readers understand why the characters struggle to find a purpose.

Sometimes writers set their fiction stories in a different time period than their own. When analyzing such fiction, try to analyze both historical contexts!

Sociocultural Context

Society and culture influence many aspects of human behavior, from how people dress and dance to how they speak and exchange ideas.

In language, sociocultural context is how words connect to their surrounding society and culture.

Understanding how cultural values inform writing or speech is critical to understanding their meaning.

For example, Henry David Thoreau's book Walden (1854) is about his experience retreating to a secluded cabin in the woods. In the text, Thoreau emphasizes the importance of finding meaning in the natural world. He wrote this book in the United States in the 1850s, a time of widespread industrialization when the social value of progress and technological expansion was increasing. Readers who take this sociocultural context into account when analyzing Walden can understand what shaped Thoreau's values and why he communicated them to his reader.

It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between a text's historical and cultural contexts. While sociocultural context can be connected to historical context, the former encompasses values and behaviors that may exist regardless of the time period. For example, the value of family has been a key aspect of culture in the Southern United States for many years. A text written or set in the American South would have that value embedded in its sociocultural context, no matter its historical context.

Consider what your current sociocultural context is. How does the culture you live in inform how you communicate and write?

Situational Context in the English Language

Another type of context is situational context.

• Situational context refers to the circumstances of a situation that shape the language within it.

For instance, imagine someone is giving a speech in front of their entire school. They might rush their words more than they would in front of just their close friends because they are nervous about public speaking. The speed of the speech could then changes how listeners perceive its meaning. This shows how being in a particular situation can impact how one uses language and how others interpret it.

Examples of Context

Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1963 "Letter from Birmingham Jail" demonstrates the importance of context. In this letter, King responds to eight Birmingham clergymen who published a newspaper article critiquing his demonstrations against racial segregation. This historical context is important because it helps readers understand King's intended audience and what ideas he aimed to address.

King delivers the powerful line in this letter: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

Another example of the role of context is evident in Lorainne Hansberry's play A Raisin in the Sun (1959). The play is about a working-class African American family who lives in Chicago, Illinois, in the 1950s. They are expecting inheritance money, and each family member has a distinct dream of what to do with it. Their dreams are shaped in part by their sociocultural context.

For instance, the family lives in a patriarchal society in which men are pressured to provide for their families. These social pressures are a key aspect of the oldest son, Walter Lee Younger's sociocultural context, and they impact how he acts and what he represents in the play. He is determined to make a lot of money fast to provide for his family, and he risks everything to do it. The stress of the pressure also takes a toll on his self-esteem and relationships with others.

Understanding the role of his sociocultural context helps the audience learn about the impact of patriarchal expectations in familial relations.

Context - Key Takeaways

• Context refers to the circumstances surrounding a text that shape its meaning.
• Context is important for understanding the meaning of a text.
• Historical context refers to the time and place where a text was written and takes place.
• Sociocultural context is how words connect to their surrounding society and culture.

Flashcards inContext 20

What is context?

Circumstances surrounding language that shape its meaning

What is situational context?

Circumstances of a situation that shape the language within it

Why is context important?  

It shapes the meaning of text and speech. 

What is a text's historical context?

The time and places the text was written in

True or false. Historical context is the same as sociocultural context.  

False. Sociocultural context can include values that exist regardless of the time period.  

What is sociocultural context?

The way that words are connected to their surrounding society and culture

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Frequently Asked Questions about Context

What is context in writing?

In writing, context refers to the circumstances in which a text is situated. 

What is an example of a context?

An example of context is how George Orwell wrote 1984 in 1949, a time in which people were worried about the future implications of totalitarianism. 

What does context mean in English literature?

In English literature, context refers to the circumstances that shape the meaning of a text. Context includes elements like the time and place an author wrote a text in. 

What are the types of context in English?

Historical context, sociocultural context, and situational context. 

What is the differences between context in speaking and context in writing?

In writing, context refers to the circumstances in which a text is situated. In speaking, context refers to the circumstances in which the speech takes place. 

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What is a text's historical context?

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1 Audience, Purpose, & Context

Questions to Ponder

Discuss these following scenario with your partners:

Imagine you are a computer scientist, and you have written an important paper about cybersecurity. You have been invited to speak at a conference to explain your ideas. As you prepare your slides and notes for your speech, you are thinking about these questions:

• What kind of language should I use?
• What information should I include on my slides?

Now, imagine you are the same computer scientist, and you have a nephew in 3rd grade. Your nephew’s teacher has invited you to come to his class for Parents’ Day, to explain what you do at work. Will you give the same speech to the class of eight-year-olds? How will your language and information be the same or different?

Thinking about audience, purpose, and context

Before we give the presentations in the scenarios described above, we need to consider our audience, purpose, and context. We need to adjust the formality and complexity of our language, depending on what our audience already knows. In the context of a professional conference, we can assume that our audience knows the technical language of our subject. In a third grade classroom, on the other hand, we would use less complex language. For the professional conference, we could include complicated information on our slides, but that probably wouldn’t be effective for children. Our purpose will also affect how we make our presentation; we want to inform our listeners about cybersecurity, but we may need to entertain an audience of third graders a bit more than our professional colleagues.

The same thing is true with writing. For example, when we are writing for an academic audience of classmates and instructors, we use more formal, complex language than when we are writing for an audience of children. In all cases, we need to consider what our audience already knows, what they might think about our topic, and how they will respond to our ideas.

In writing, we also need to think about appearance, just as we do when giving a presentation. The way our essay looks is an important part of establishing our credibility as authors, in the same way that our appearance matters in a professional setting. Careful use of MLA format and careful proofreading help our essays to appear professional; consult  MLA Formatting Guides for advice.

Before you start to write, you need to know:

Who is the intended  audience ? ( Who  are you writing this for?)

What is the  purpose ? ( Why  are you writing this?)

What is the  context ? ( What  is the situation,  when  is the time period, and  where  are your readers?)

We will examine each of these below.

AUDIENCE ~ Who are you writing for?

Your audience are the people who will read your writing, or listen to your presentation. In the examples above, the first audience were your professional colleagues; the second audience were your daughter and her classmates. Naturally, your presentation will not be the same to these two audiences.

Here are some questions you might think about as you’re deciding what to write about and how to shape your message:

• What do I know about my audience? (What are their ages, interests, and biases? Do they have an opinion already? Are they interested in the topic? Why or why not?)
• What do they know about my topic? (And, what does this audience not  know about the topic? What do they need to know?)
• What details might affect the way this audience thinks about my topic? (How will facts, statistics, personal stories, examples, definitions, or other types of evidence affect this audience?)

In academic writing, your readers will usually be your classmates and instructors. Sometimes, your instructor may ask you to write for a specific audience. This should be clear from the assignment prompt; if you are not sure, ask your instructor who the intended audience is.

PURPOSE – Why are you writing?

Your primary purpose for academic writing may be to inform, to persuade, or to entertain your audience. In the examples above, your primary purpose was to inform your listeners about cybersecurity.

Audience and purpose work together, as in these examples:

• I need to write a letter to my landlord explaining why my rent is late so she won’t be upset. (Audience = landlord; Purpose = explaining my situation and keeping my landlord happy)
• I want to write a proposal for my work team to persuade them to change our schedule. (Audience = work team; Purpose = persuading them to get the schedule changed)
• I have to write a research paper for my environmental science instructor comparing solar to wind power. (Audience = instructor; Purpose = informing by analyzing and showing that you understand these two power sources)

Here are some of the main kinds of informative and persuasive writing you will do in college:

How Do I Know What My Purpose Is?

Sometimes your instructor will give you a purpose, like in the example above about the environmental science research paper ( to inform ), but other times, in college and in life, your purpose will depend on what effect you want your writing to have on your audience. What is the goal of your writing? What do you hope for your audience to think, feel, or do after reading it? Here are a few possibilities:

• Persuade or inspire them to act or to think about an issue from your point of view.
• Challenge them or make them question their thinking or behavior.
• Argue for or against something they believe or do; change their minds or behavior.
• Inform or teach them about a topic they don’t know much about.
• Connect with them emotionally; help them feel understood.

There are many different types of writing in college: essays, lab reports, case studies, business proposals, and so on. Your audience and purpose may be different for each type of writing, and each discipline, or kind of class. This brings us to context.

CONTEXT ~ What is the situation?

When and where are you and your readers situated? What are your readers’ circumstances? What is happening around them? Answering these questions will help you figure out the context, which helps you decide what kind of writing fits the situation best. The context is the situation, setting, or environment; it is the place and time that you are writing for. In our examples above, the first context is a professional conference; the second context is a third-grade classroom. The kind of presentation you write would be very different for these different contexts.

Here’s another example: Imagine that your car breaks down on the way to class. You need to send a message to someone to help you.

AUDIENCE : your friends

PURPOSE : to ask for help

CONTEXT : you are standing by the side of Little Patuxent Parkway, 10 minutes before class begins. Your friends are already at the campus Starbucks or in Duncan Hall.

Do you and your readers have time for you to write a 1,000-word essay about how a car works, and how yours has broken down? Or would one word (‘help!’) and a photo be a better way to send your message?

Now imagine that you are enrolled in a mechanical engineering class, and your professor has asked for a 4-page explanation of how internal combustion works in your car. What kind of writing should you produce? This would be the appropriate audience, purpose, and context for the 1,000-word essay about how a car works.

Activity ~ A Note about Tone

As you consider your audience, purpose, and context, you will need to think about your word choice as well. For example, say these two phrases out loud:

• very sick kids
• seriously ill children

Do they mean the same thing? Would you use the phrases in the same way? How about:

• lots of stuff

The words we choose help determine the tone of our writing, which is connected to audience, purpose, and context. Can you think of other examples using formal and informal tone?

Is this chapter:

…about right, but you would like more detail? –> Watch “ Audience: Introduction & Overview ” and from Purdue’s Online Writing Lab. Also, view “ Purpose, Audience, & Context ” from The Ohio State University.

…about right, but you prefer to listen and learn? –> Try “ Thinking About Your Assignment ” from the Excelsior OWL and “ A Smart Move: Responding the Rhetorical Situation .”

…too easy? –> Watch “ Writing for Audiences in U.S. Academic Settings ” from Purdue OWL.

Or, how about watching a funny video? In this short (3.5 minutes) video from the popular children’s program Sesame Street , Sir Ian McKellen tries to teach Cookie Monster a new word, but at first, Sir Ian doesn’t really understand what his audience knows (or doesn’t know), so Cookie Monster doesn’t understand.

Portions of this chapter were modified from the following Open Educational Resources:

Saylor Academy under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 License  without attribution as requested by the work’s original creator or licensor.

“ Audience ” and “ Purpose ” chapters from The Word on College Reading and Writing by Carol Burnell, Jaime Wood, Monique Babin, Susan Pesznecker, and Nicole Rosevear, which is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

Note: links open in new tabs.

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ENGLISH 087: Academic Advanced Writing Copyright © 2020 by Nancy Hutchison is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Essay Writing Processes

Considering writing contexts.

There are three main contexts to consider when approaching writing:

• purpose of the writing
• type of writing
• reading audience

First of all, writing exists within the context of what you want to accomplish, your purpose: to inform, instruct, analyze, argue logically, evaluate, etc.  For example, if your purpose is to argue logically and persuade your reader of the validity of your stance on an issue, you’ll know even before you start prewriting that you’ll need to include support that addresses the opposing side in order to create a balanced presentation.

Secondly, writing exists within the context of the type of writing you intend to do: blogging, business proposal, case study, academic writing, etc.  In a study of college writing, you’ll most likely be writing either research or non-research essays. Knowing the type of writing that you intend to do can help you make decisions about content, format, and overall approach. For example, if you’re writing a non-research essay offering your own reflections or observations on contemporary manners, you may decide that it’s fine to use a light-hearted tone and informal writing style. You may decide on a more formal approach if you’re writing an essay based on an assigned textbook reading on contemporary manners for a sociology course.

All three contexts are important to consider, sometimes before and definitely after you prewrite. Note that it’s also useful to consider contexts in the writing and revising stages to ensure that you’re clearly addressing your purpose, audience, and conventions for the writing type.

• Considering Writing Contexts. Authored by : Susan Oaks. Provided by : Empire State College, SUNY OER Services. Project : College Writing. License : CC BY-NC: Attribution-NonCommercial
• image of two silhouette heads imposed over bookshelf. Authored by : geralt. Provided by : Pixabay. Located at : https://pixabay.com/en/silhouette-head-bookshelf-know-1793916/ . License : CC0: No Rights Reserved

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Definition of context

Did you know.

Context , in Context

In its earliest uses (documented in the 15th century), context meant "the weaving together of words in language." This sense, now obsolete, developed logically from the word's source in Latin, contexere "to weave or join together." Context now most commonly refers to the environment or setting in which something (whether words or events) exists. When we say that something is contextualized , we mean that it is placed in an appropriate setting, one in which it may be properly considered.

• environment
• mise-en-scène
• surroundings

Examples of context in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'context.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Middle English contexte "text, composition," borrowed from Medieval Latin contextus "sequence, connection, setting," going back to Latin, "action of weaving, connection, coherence, ordered scheme, structure," from contexere "to weave together, connect (words), compose, combine" (from con- con- + texere "to weave, construct") + -tus, suffix of action nouns — more at technical entry 1

circa 1568, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing context

• context - free

Dictionary Entries Near context

context-free

Cite this Entry

“Context.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/context. Accessed 20 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of context, more from merriam-webster on context.

Nglish: Translation of context for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of context for Arabic Speakers

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[ kon -tekst ]

You have misinterpreted my remark because you took it out of context.

Synonyms: climate , milieu , background

• Mycology. the fleshy fibrous body of the pileus in mushrooms.

/ ˈkɒntɛkst /

it is unfair to quote out of context

• the conditions and circumstances that are relevant to an event, fact, etc

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Other words from.

• context·less adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of context 1

Example Sentences

Learning is best when it is built around doing, and when the context is practical, allowing students to try their hand at solving problems even as they’re still learning.

It’s hard not to look at today’s announcement in the context of the overall challenges that Mozilla is going through.

Unicef now plans to run a series of pilot programs with various partner countries to observe how practical and effective their guidelines are in different contexts.

The video above also provides the missing context from the clips.

Now, the spirit of the Bauhaus has been invoked once more, in the context of Europe’s grand plan to go green.

In that context, Sotto Sotto was one of the all-out survivors.

Prevalence depends on context, and sometimes unique advantages outweigh the genetic costs.

I recognize my inability to truly understand these events in the same context or view these events through exactly the same prism.

Just wanted to place it in the context of slates needing picture choices that throw off revenue to make the numbers work.

Clearly the liberation of Gross took place in the context of what might be called a “grand bargain.”

She held it while the trooper bent over the strange scrawl, and ran his eyes along it to learn the context.

If the context makes an otherwise indefinite thing definite, it is sufficient.

The context in Chaucer does not seem to warrant the interpretation given by Tyrwhit.

I alter pleyneth in l. 2302 to pleyeth, to suit the context more closely.

The translator could think of no better word, because the context is jocular.

Related Words

More about context, what is  context .

Context is a noun that means the parts of a statement that immediately precede or follow a specific section of the statement and help explain that section. 

The context of a specific text clarifies the meaning of that text, as in When the politician was asked to apologize for lying, he claimed that he had been quoted out of context and that he wasn’t actually lying. 

Context is also the conditions related to an event or situation that helps a person understand the event or situation. Conditions can include surroundings (where something took place), circumstances (what else was happening at the time), and background (such as events that happened before). For example, the context of a historical event, such as what else was happening at the time and how people understood their environment, can help us better understand the event itself.

One common expression that uses word context is context clues . Context clues are hints within a piece of writing that help us understand something unfamiliar, such as a word. For example, if you came across the word ethereal in a text, context clues could help you figure out that it means “delicate” and “beautiful.” 

Another common expression that includes the word context is out of context . This expression is used to explain that the reason people understood a statement or text incorrectly was because the statement was removed from its surrounding text, which distorted its meaning. 

Example: Understanding the historical and scientific contexts of the Romantic period are essential to understanding Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein.”

Where does  context  come from?

The first records of the term context come from around the late 1300s to early 1400s. It comes from the Latin word contextus , meaning “a joining together, scheme, or structure.” 

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms of context ?

• contextless (adjective)
• contextual (adjective)
• contexture (noun)
• contextomy (noun)

What are some synonyms for context ?

• circumstances

What are some words that share a root or word element with context ? 

• contextualize
• contextualism
• context of situation

What are some words that often get used in discussing context ?

How is  context  used in real life?

The word context is a fairly common word used to refer to conditions or situations that give meaning to an event or behavior. It’s also commonly used to refer to the words surrounding a specific word or words in a text that give the text its meaning.

The best feeling in language learning is when you learn a new word, and then immediately see it again in an unrelated context. And you think, ‘I would have had no idea what this word meant if I had seen it last week, but now I do. I’m learning!’ — Fingtam Languages (@fingtamLangs) January 15, 2021

I think my favorite part about tweeting is that you don’t have to provide any context. You just say. — C (@Frm79th) January 17, 2021

Please read this thread if you are considering tweeting offensive or otherwise problematic things you believe are self-evidently “irony” or “sarcasm” It will not work. It will not land. It will not matter years later when people see those tweets “out of context.” This is why. — Catherynne M. Valente (@catvalente) January 5, 2021

Try using  context !

True or False?

The context of a situation is what results from the situation.

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Meaning of context in English

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context noun [C] ( CAUSE OF EVENT )

• To understand this issue , it must first be situated in its context.
• The production is deliberately styleless , and this takes the play out of its historical context.
• What was the context you found the word in?
• He thinks smacking is OK in the context of a happy family .
• His remarks were very tasteless in the context of a memorial service .
• appertain to something
• interconnect
• interconnected
• interconnectedness
• interconnection
• intercorrelate
• relatability
• relate to someone/something

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

context noun [C] ( LANGUAGE )

• contextualize
• etymological
• etymologically
• inflected language
• philological
• philologically
• portmanteau word
• prescriptivism

context | Intermediate English

Context noun [c] ( related events ), context noun [c] ( surrounding words ), examples of context, collocations with context.

These are words often used in combination with context .

Click on a collocation to see more examples of it.

Translations of context

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Word of the Day

hit the road

to leave a place or begin a journey

Searching out and tracking down: talking about finding or discovering things

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Traditional Subjects

Aptitude tests, higher learning, context in english literature – gcse and a-level, how can i use context how can i write about context in my essays, what is context.

You may have read that your exams requite an understanding of the relationships between texts and the context in which they were written…

But what does this mean?

Context has a pretty vague and abstract definition. It is defined within the Merriam-Webster dictionary as ‘the parts of discourse that surround a word or passage and can throw light on its meaning’. It includes the background, environment, setting which influence how a text is written and read.

But if you’re confused, don’t panic:

Tavistock Tutors have compiled this trusty guide for English Literature GCSE and A-level students to help you better understand the importance of contextual information.

Why is context important?

Context illuminates the meaning and relevance of the text, and it could be something cultural, historical, social or political.

Context is information.

Context creates meaning by providing precise and useful information. Information that can push forward a story or facilitate its understanding. In other words, adding context helps to inform us of the different elements which may explain the writing. By learning more about the context of a piece of literature, we can aim to understand it better.

In English Literature GCSE, context is an important part of understanding your set texts. It is likely that you will need to demonstrate your understanding of context during your examination in order to successfully achieve the Assessment Objective.

Learners should see context as a tool that enables them to crack open texts, both studied and unseen, and helps develop their understanding of character, theme and authorial intention. Therefore, it is important to grasp how context works in order to ensure you achieve the best grade possible!

Author’s Context vs. Reader’s Context

It is important to remember that there are different types of context regarding literature. For example, when Jane Austen was writing her novels such as Emma and Persuasion, it is likely that she would have been hunched over a small writing desk whilst living in her home town of Chawton during England’s Georgian era.

In contrast, you may be reading her work whilst wrapped up in bed whilst listening to modern music – and this may inform your interpretations of the book, just as her setting would have informed her authorship.

Here are some examples of context which may influence the way a text is written:

When the text was written, and how old the author was when writing

Are they writing it in present day or focusing on the past?

What the society was like at the time the text was written

Times and places referred to in the poem – you may not understand some references

What or who influenced the writer

Biographical details about the writer’s life

What political or social influences there would have been

Who is there intended audience? This will inevitably affect their writing

What influences there may have been in the genre that may have affected the writer

What was their environment at the time of writing?

Did they endure a life-changing situation or a trivial situation?

Knowing more about the factors mentioned above can give us an insight into the writer’s intentions and purpose.

About the poet

Often, a text will reflect aspects of the writer’s life. We should try to read the literature whilst considering what their intentions may have been. It is important to remember that even if they are writing in First Person, this doesn’t mean their work is necessarily autobiographical.

Biographical clues from a poem’s context can give you insights into its themes or message. Some questions you might ask include:

Are events or places from the poet’s life reflected in the poem?

Are people or relationships from the poet’s life reflected in the poem?

Are the poet’s ideas or beliefs reflected in the poem?

Historical and Social Context

Historical context is focused on when the text was written. Try and find out when your set texts were written and what was going on at the time.

Historical context is entangled with social context of a piece, as underlying conventions are specific to different historical periods. It is especially important to be aware of historical context if there have been dramatic changes between when the work was originally produced and our current day.

Whilst looking at the history of when it was written, this links to the social context of a text. This means the ways in which that society has had an impact on its meaning. The social context of a text is the way in which the features of the society it is set in impact on its meaning.

Some texts may refer directly to specific historical events or particular times, and you may not understand what they are referring to.

If you research facts about the time when the piece was written, as well as any vocabulary that you don’t understand, your understanding of the literature will be vastly enriched.

Authors may also refer to different subjects and themes from source materials which do not belong to their own period. For example, Lord Byron’s poem The Destruction of Sennacherib is based on a story in the Old Testament of the Bible and knowing this can help us understand that poem more fully, even though Byron he doesn’t explicitly mention the source within the poem.

Cultural Contexts

Culture refers to the particular way of life, this involves religion, race and nationality. It also features customs, dress codes and manners.

It can relate to a wide variety of things within a historical period such as art, music and writing. When reading your set texts, try and look out for whether the writer is making any comments on aspects of their own culture, or whether they are describing the clash of two cultures.

Ideological Contexts

Ideology refers to the systems of beliefs and ideas that underpin our attitudes and behavior. Different ideologies can be valued by entire societies, or sometimes by smaller groups. Ideological context is very important as ideas are often the basis of the writer’s purpose.

Many texts explore ideological context, either challenging or championing it. For example, some writers could be actively seeking to challenge ideological assumptions within their writing by arguing against them. Ideological context may not originally be obvious within a text, and you may need to read between the lines. This is because our own is largely internalized and normalized, and thus we often act accordingly to our assumptions and social norms, without considering different ideologies to be found in the text.

Context of readership

Beyond the context which may have informed the writing of a text, we also need to consider the context which could affect the way a piece of literature has been read.

This may include:

The context of those reading when the text was first produced

The context of us today seeing the play for the first time

You should also consider how different readers might have engaged with a poem through time.

Have readers’ views and attitudes changed since the piece was first written?

How is the text seen today? Would it be controversial in today’s climate?

These factors can all influence the way a poem is interpreted, so the final meaning of a poem is never entirely fixed.

The way different readers interpret poems and their opinions of poets can change over time. A poem that was read in one way when it was first written can be read very differently today.

How can I use context in my essays?

If you are writing your response to a text, whether it is a novel, a poem or even a play, it is likely that within your written response you will be expected to demonstrate knowledge of the contextual information which surrounds the piece.

By looking at the different types of context we have mentioned within this article, it is a good idea to compile a small list or maybe even a mind map of the different pieces of contextual information which relate to your set texts. This could include information about the author, historical information about the time in which it was written and/or set, as well as additional ideas which may be relevant. When you are writing your written response, make sure that you interweave the context into your answer. It is no good just having one stand-alone paragraph which covers context, as this will not be integrated into your answer and will make your writing appear less sophisticated. Instead you should try to sprinkle it within your writing, relating to different elements of your argument throughout. When you have been asked to comment on context, it’s important that you only offer information that is relevant to the question, rather than just including all facts you know about a poem or the poet. Don’t just include contextual information for the sake of it – it should be used to help strengthen your work.

Context is important, but too much will get in the way of your message as you digress and too little makes your writing hard for the reader to understand. Moderation is key. You need to find the right balance of necessary information to make your writing enjoyable to read. Remember that often, context is only around 15-25% of your overall marks, so you shouldn’t focus too much time and attention on giving context within your answers.

If you’d like extra help, Tavistock Tutors have many expert English tutors who would be happy to help, by providing one-to-one advice which is tailored to your learning! So next time you’re struggling to get started on a literature piece, remember to think deeply about the different aspects of your text’s context!

Examples of Context in Literature

Animal farm (by george orwell).

George Orwell felt disillusioned by Soviet Communism, and its revolution during his time. He chose to demonstrate his dismay and fear about communism through many of his novels. In particular, within the award-winning novel Animal Farm. Within this novel, Orwell expressed his ideas himself by using satire through the allegorical characters of Old Major and Boxer; relating them to the Russian Revolution and its characters.

Orwell uses animals to explain history and context of Soviet Communism, some of which relate to party leaders. This means his context may be more ‘implicit’ within his works, as he didn’t want to make it too obvious.

For instance, the pig Napoleon represents Joseph Stalin, and Snowball represents Leon Trotsky. In fact, Orwell uses this fable for political reasons, by using the Russian Revolution as his main historical context.

When the Russian Revolution floats into view behind the text, the story transforms. It becomes didactic. The animals’ behaviour is infuriating and pitiful and ridiculous, but with an awareness of context it becomes important too. It is human behaviour at its worst; not something we can dismiss. Awareness of literary and historical context here adds a haunting dimension to Orwell’s text. Without literary context the picture is incomplete.

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Home / Guides / Grammar Guides / Vocabulary Guides / Usage Guides / How To Use Context In A Sentence

How To Use Context In A Sentence

This helpful guide will show you how to use context in a sentence. It will show you the definition of context , as well as synonyms, antonyms, and the type of connotation that the word can carry.

Usage for context

Definition: the information or circumstances that surround a statement, event, or behavior, which usually influences its significance

Part(s) of speech: noun

Antonyms: insignificance; ignorance

Synonyms: background; conditions

Here are but a few sample sentences of the word in action!

• I can see how you might interrupt my statement as an insult, but it’s only because you have no context .
• It’s unfair to harshly judge a movie as terrible without being aware of all the behind-the-scenes  context.
• I only ate the entire jar of pickles because I was exhausted and pregnant. Understand the context before you give me that look.
• For a therapist to truly understand the motivations behind a client’s actions they must first dig into the context of their life.
• I’d be very curious to learn the context behind the origin of trick or treating.
• David and Griffen are connoisseurs of context because they don’t talk about a film in a vacuum. Instead, they analyze it based on the director’s entire oeuvre.
• Novels are effective because they get inside the protagonist’s head so a reader can understand the context behind their decisions.
• If you would take a minute to understand the context around my tantrum, you wouldn’t be so angry with me.
• It’s easy to misinterpret a soundbite on cable news if you aren’t given its  context.
• The film Psycho was innovative because the director provided all the context for the female lead’s personal journey but then had her killed halfway through the movie.
• If you only look at one page of Alice in Wonderland, it will seem completely absurd, and therein lies the importance of  context.
• I believe nurture is more of an influence than nature on a child because I’m willing to look into the context of a person’s upbringing.
• He claims that I would understand why he cheated on me if I looked at the context of our whole relationship.
• I love when period TV shows perfect the wardrobe and language of their time period. It really helps put the story in its proper  context.
• If you walked into my bedroom and saw four thousand slices of cheesecake covering the floor, you would be shocked, but that’s only because you don’t know the  context.

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