Context

Definition of Context

“The set of circumstances or facts that surround a particular event, situation, etc.” www.freedictionary.com

Looking at the context of a statement or event makes you ask: What does this mean at this time in

this place under these circumstances?

Context = Frame

“The context of anything sets the frame around it, shaping the meaning of everything within that frame.” (Norie Huddle)

Think of a camera lens Zoom in for immediate/ narrow context, zoom out for

broad context Whatever is in the frame but outside the object you’re

contextualizing is context.

Consider how our interpretation of the photographs on the next two slides changes when the frame is changed.

Levels of Context – Narrow Broad

Verbal Situational Social Cultural Historical Moral/Philosophical

What is the context of these women’s interaction?

Photo Caption: Three women stand before a magistrate (note pistol in his hand) after a disturbance at a juke joint, South Carolina, 1956.

Photographer: Margaret Bourke-White

What stories might explain this photo? Read more:

http://life.time.com/history/rare-color-photos-segregation-in-1956-south-carolina/#ixzz2E7JUDIsk

What is the context of this man’s decision to

stand in front of the tanks?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qq8zFLIftGk 23 years ago, on June 5, 1989, following weeks of

huge protests in Beijing, China, and a crackdown that resulted in the deaths of hundreds, a lone man stepped in front of a column of tanks rumbling past Tiananmen Square. The moment instantly became a symbol of the protests as well as a symbol against oppression worldwide — an anonymous act of defiance seared into our collective consciousnesses. http://lens.blogs.nytimes

.com/2009/06/03/behind-the-scenes-tank-man-of-tiananmen/

When analyzing literature, apply your knowledge of

context. Give context for quotes and other evidence

you provide. What is going on? When in the story does the

quote appear? To what does the quote refer? Consider the context of characters’ actions.

What has happened before? What is about to happen?

Take cultural and historical context into account. When and where is this happening? Is this event

typical or unusual for its time and place?

When evaluating the reliability of information,

consider the context. Who is providing the info, and for

what purpose? Where did you find the info? Can you verify (determine as true)

the info from multiple sources? Does the info change when you

change the frame (zoom in or zoom out)?

Revisit the Opening Pages of the Novel – why this intro?

Scout and Jem argue about “the events leading to” Jem’s broken arm (3). (Atticus says they’re both right.) These events involve: The Ewells Before that, Dill’s arrival / trying to get Boo

Radley to come out Before that (100 years before), Simon Finch

buying Finch’s Landing – and 3 slaves Why this intro? Harper Lee is telling us that

knowing the context is crucial to understanding an event.