In some cases, it is very important to understand the context of a piece of writing. For example, culture and time period can play an important role in how the events and/or language was intended to be received by the audience. One perfect example of this is Twain's novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Throughout the story, Jim is referred to as the n-word. Now, the n-word is seen as derogatory and not to be used in everyday speech. Even though it did have a negative connotation in Huck's time as it was used to refer to an African American, who was always seen to be of the lowest class, it was a common word, frequently used. It did not carry as much weight and consequence as it does now. This contextual information is important to understand since Huck looks to Jim as a friend, not merely as property. Huck is not trying to be rude or disrespectful when he uses the n-word.
