1. Context: A Way into Literature

2. Definition: Context
The circumstances in which an event occurs; a setting

3. Why pay attention to context?
The Man He Killed
Had he and I but metBy some old ancient inn,We should have set us down to wetRight many a nipperkin!But ranged as infantry,And staring face to face,I shot at him as he at me,And killed him in his place.I shot him dead because--Because he was my foe,Just so: my foe of course he was;That's clear enough; althoughHe thought he'd 'list, perhaps,Off-hand like--just as I--Was out of work--had sold his traps--No other reason why.Yes; quaint and curious war is!You shoot a fellow downYou'd treat, if met where any bar is,Or help to half a crown.
Thomas Hardy
How do you know what war this is?
Vocabulary might give you clues.
But the best hint is knowing when the poem was written and where the author lived.
Understanding the conditions under which the piece was written can illuminate difficult, vague, or ambiguous parts

4. Why pay attention to context?
The Man He Killed
Had he and I but metBy some old ancient inn,We should have set us down to wetRight many a nipperkin!But ranged as infantry,And staring face to face,I shot at him as he at me,And killed him in his place.I shot him dead because--Because he was my foe,Just so: my foe of course he was;That's clear enough; althoughHe thought he'd 'list, perhaps,Off-hand like--just as I--Was out of work--had sold his traps--No other reason why.Yes; quaint and curious war is!You shoot a fellow downYou'd treat, if met where any bar is,Or help to half a crown.
Thomas Hardy
Understanding the conditions under which the piece was written can illuminate difficult, vague, or ambiguous parts
Thomas Hardy wrote this in 1902. He was an Englishman.
The poem is in response to the Boer War.

5. What should you look for?
For both the setting and the authors environment, look for:
Historical background
Social / Cultural biases, traditions, trends, etc.
Political situation at the time (and in the past, if appropriate)
Any other relevant information (e.g. biographical information about the author may reveal certain beliefs, alliances, etc.)

6. How do you determine context?
Background knowledge
Clues in the literary piece iteself
Research