The function of context in literary studies - Essay Example

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)