Literature Context
Historical context is an extremely important tool to understand the meaning and context of literature. Because every novel or poem is influenced by historical context, it is important to understand circumstances such as social, economic or political issues. By understanding historical context, a reader can deepen their comprehension of key elements such as the purpose of the novel and mindset or language of the characters. The reader can also highlight similarities or differences between past and present eras. By examining the historical context of The Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio, The Rape of Lucrece bv Shakespeare, and “The Yellow Wall Paper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, the reader can gain a deeper understanding of the purpose and meaning of the literature.
Literature is a product of its age and the meaning of a text can ultimately be discovered by fitting it around other occurrences from the same time period. The author simply writes relating to the type of environment they are bounded in. Understanding the historical context in the novel, The Decameron, would deepen the reader’s perception of the work. One important historical influence is the black plague, which caused the population to die by the thousands. By understanding the panic the bubonic plague caused, the reader can truly appreciate the role of storytelling in The Decameron. Boccaccio's account also provides valuable insight to the altered human moral behavior during this widespread event - the willingness to persecute foreigners and Jewish people, the harsh banishment of the sick, the ready abandonment of loved ones and family, as well as the extreme indifference towards an affected lower class. As stated in the text, "…enough that this sore affliction entered so deep into the minds of men and women, that in the horror thereof brother was forsaken by brother, nephew by uncle, brother by sister, and often times husband by wife" (027). Judging the characters without understanding the historical context and motivations is irrational and close-minded. In order to dig deeper into this novel and remain impartial and logical, the reader should understand the era and lack of medical advances.
In the work The Rape of Lucrece, Shakespeare demonstrates two main concepts: rape and politics. These themes reveal a lot about their own culture and values, both social and literary. This poem establishes Lucrece in the context of her time and world, while making her choices not just understandable, but foreseeable to a modern generation. Lucrece’s reasons for suicide can be understood by recognizing the historical context of the text. She felt as though this violent act not only dishonored her husband, but made her feel unbearably shameful and tainted. As stated in the poem, “So of shame’s ashes shall my fame be bred/for in my death I murder shameful scorn:/ My shame so dead, mine honour is new-born” (1239-1241). Lucrece taking her own life signifies many things; it demonstrated a way of punishing her attacker; it was a way for people and political officials to take her seriously; and it restored honor back in her husband, to whom she truly believed she had wronged him. Her actions simply demonstrate a sign of the times; they show how her self-affliction opened people’s eyes as to how they viewed this wrongful act and simultaneously changed the political history in Rome. The treatment of rape victims by society has changed over the centuries. Society now takes this issue very seriously; women have a fighting chance of getting the justice they deserve by coming forward and speaking out. Understanding the historical background of this poem can help the reader relate to the victim on a completely different level and recognize the significance of her actions.
In the short story “The Yellow Wall Paper,” the historical and social context is evidently apparent. The lack of medical advances and gender role stipulations was the core motive to which the narrator grew into an unhealthy physiological state. At this time, the “rest cure” was the accepted course of medical treatment to help treat those specific types of symptoms the narrator was exhibiting. One question that may resonate with readers is why did the narrator not speak up and voice her concerns of the subpar treatment she was receiving from her doctor and husband? In that era, it was unheard of for women to challenge or question the decisions of men. As displayed in the poem, “If a physician of high standing, and one’s own husband, assures friends and relatives that there is really nothing the matter with one but temporary nervous depression…what is one to do?” (41-42). A reader that is unfamiliar with the story’s historical context may perceive the lack of actions taken by the narrator’s husband as controlling and indifferent. However, the imbalance in power between the sexes was expected in this day in age, and the lack of medical knowledge available made depression vastly misunderstood. By understanding the appropriate context, the reader can gain a fuller understanding of the motivations of the characters and therefore the true meaning of the story.
Analyzing the historical context of literature can cause a much wider and deeper understanding of the text. Exploring contextual exploration of these three works of literature allows one to comprehend certain ideas and avoid misunderstanding or forming a biased opinion. Reading a historic piece of literature helps readers not only see the country and the people as they were, but to also experience the times through the language and characters. Discounting the context could ultimately ruin the vulnerability and beauty experienced while reading such classics as these historic pieces of literature.
Jinni Akins
May 14, 2015