Analyzing History and Context

1. Analyzing History and Context Mr. Whitehead

2. Context • Context – is the situation in which the story was written, including the time in history and in the author’s life. • Context can influence the meaning of a story. When and where a story takes place often shape the characters and plot.

3. History • History is the set of facts that identify what was going on in the world at a certain time. • In the story, the Scarlet Pimperrnel, the setting is Paris France, in September 1792. At that time, France had just undergone a revolution.

4. Question • 1. What is one way the historical setting affects the story? • A. The Scarlet Pimpernel is the villain of the story because he works against the Committee of Public Safety. • B. The Scarlet Pimpernel is the villain of the story because he works against the Reign of Terror. • C. The aristocrats are able to disguise themselves as soldiers because the story takes place in the 18th century Paris. • D. Sergeant Bibot only considers the Scarlet Pimpernel to be a “meddlesome Englishman” because Bibot is a solder.

5. Culture • Culture refers to the traditions, attitudes, and beliefs people hold in a place and time. • History and culture affect what author chooses to write about, the characters he or she uses, an the way the characters behave.

6. Culture • Culture always has some effect on characters in events in a story. This becomes more obvious when you read stories form cultures other than your own. • When you read stories about other cultures, ask yourself: • What makes this culture different from my own? What are its traditions, beliefs, and attitudes? • How do these cultural differences affect the characters in the story? • What aspects of the conflict or the characters’ feelings seem familiar? (In other words, what do I have in common with the characters that helps me understand the story? Have I had a similar experience.?

7. Question • 2. How does the culture of 18th Century France influence the story? • A. The old woman has large, bony fingers. • B. The Scarlett Pimpernel tricks Sergeant Bibot. • C. Sergeant Bibot is afraid of getting the plague. • D. The Scarlet Pimpernel disguises himself as a woman.

8. Connect • When you write a response to literature, connect your own life to the passage? • Which parts of the passage feel most important to me? • How can I connect my personal experience (something that’s happened to me) to a key element of the passage (theme, character, setting, plot, or main idea?) • When I connect my personal experience to the passage,, what do I learn or think about? • What details from the passage support my new ideas?

9. Activity • I will give you a verse from a poem or song. I want you to identify the history and culture of the song or poem by just reading the verses. • Listen my children and you shall hearOf the midnight ride of Paul Revere,On the eighteenth of April, in Seventy-five;Hardly a man is now aliveWho remembers that famous day and year. • He said to his friend, "If the British marchBy land or sea from the town to-night,Hang a lantern aloft in the belfry archOf the North Church tower as a signal light,--One if by land, and two if by sea;And I on the opposite shore will be,Ready to ride and spread the alarmThrough every Middlesex village and farm,For the country folk to be up and to arm."

10. Question • 3. What time period does this poem take place? • Modern • Early 1900s • Around the Civil War • Around the Revolutionary War

11. Question • 4. How is Paul Revere depicted in this poem? • A. Traitor • B. Hero • C. A person of little importance • D. Fool

12. Question • By what sendsthe white kidsI ain't sent:I know I can'tbe President.What don't bugthem white kidssure bugs me:We know everybodyain't free. • Lies written downfor white folksain't for us a-tall:Liberty And Justice — Huh! For All?

13. Question • 5. What time period was this written in? • A. Civil Rights Movement • B. Revolutionary War • C. Civil War • D. Modern

14. Question • 6. What’s the author’s tone toward American culture? • A. Pleasant • B. Cynical • C. Indifferent • D. Loving

15. Find the Figurative Language • I used to rule the world • Seas would rise when I gave the word • Now in the morning I sleep alone • Sweep the streets I used to own • I used to roll the dice • Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes • Listened as the crowd would sing • Now the old king is dead long live the king • One minute I held the key • Next the walls were closed on me • And I discovered that my castles stand • Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand • It was a wicked and wild wind • Blew down the doors to let me in • Shattered windows and the sound of drums • People couldn't believe what I'd become • Revolutionaries wait • For my head on a silver plate • Just a puppet on a lonely string • Oh who would ever want to be king? • Hear Jerusalem bells a-ringing • Roman cavalry choirs are singing • Be my mirror, my sword and shield • My missionaries in a foreign field • For some reason I can't explain • I know St Peter won't call my name • Never an honest word • But that was when I ruled the world