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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?.
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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.