Question

A creative work is often influenced by its historical context. If a novel or poem that is influenced by its historical context were written at a different time, its characters, settings, conflicts, and themes would likely change. Choose a novel or poem with which you are familiar and explain how the historical context shapes the work. Identify a new historical context for your chosen novel. Discuss three specific ways the creative work would change if the historical context were altered. Your response should be fully developed in a minimum of two paragraphs.

Answer 1

Answer and explanation:

The historical context surrounding a literary work often influences it to a great degree.  Behaviors are seen as acceptable or unacceptable according to the time period in which they are included. That also relates to clothes, speech, ideas etc. Let's briefly analyze the novel "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen as an example. Its plot takes place in England, in the year of 1813. The main characters' lives are greatly limited and molded by the historical context.

Women were not allowed to walk around or travel on their own. They were somewhat obliged to have several talents, so that they would be considered accomplished women. They had no rights when it came to inheriting money - only male heirs could do it. The main goal women could have back then was to marry a gentleman, in case their own fathers were not gentlemen. A gentleman - unlike the idea we have today of a polite man - was a man who inherited so much money that he wouldn't need to work for the rest of his life.  

Therefore, the plot and characters in Pride and Prejudice are all affected by those social and historical rules. Mrs Bennet's sole purpose in life is to see her five daughters married as soon as possible, since they cannot inherit their father's land. Even though Jane, the eldest daughter, is in love with Mr Bingley, she must wait for him to make a move and propose to her. If she reveals too much affection, she might be seen as a vulgar girl. Lydia, the youngest daughter, disrespects such rules and is indeed seen as vulgar. She almost ruins all of her sisters when she elopes with Mr Wickham. Sisters of a girl who slept with a man before marrying him were never able to marry anyone.

If the same story of the five sisters were to be written today, none of those concerns would matter. Instead of worrying about marriage, they would most likely worry about getting into a good college to follow their dream career. Instead of being shy and modest, they would probably have several boyfriends. Instead of being seen as vulgar for smiling and talking too much, they would be seen as normal girls who wish to have a good time.