Contexts - Susan Cockcroft

The 'Living Literature' series has been written to meet new developments in the teaching of AS/A level English Literature and AS/A level English Language and Literature. The series is designed to fulfil assessment objectives for the specifications from 2000 onwards for all examining boards.

Essentially practical books, the 'Living Literature' series provides a wealth of material to inform and stimulate students. The series covers broad perspectives on literature alongside close textual analysis and offers enjoyable activities and investigations throughout.

'Contexts' provides a fascinating exploration of how our interpretation of a text can be influenced by an awareness of its context. Both the context of the reader and the context of the writer have an influence on how we view literary texts, and both are considered in detail.

Students will develop a broader understanding of context through the analysis of reading and writing 'as an individual', contrasted with the analysis of reading and writing 'as a member of society'. They will look closely at what people read and write, why they do so, and what factors influence their decisions. They will also explore how the social, political and economic climate influences not only the way a text is 'written', but also how people 'read' it.

The final chapters use a wide range of literary texts to stimulate discussion. They put into practice students' understanding and awareness of the importance of context when analysing a text.