What Is Historical Context in Literature?

Historical context in literature refers to the time period in which a text is set. The historical context of a text can significantly influence a novel’s setting, characters, plot and themes.

This two-page graphic organizer has been designed by the Teach Starter team to help students unpack historical context clues while reading. Its fun design contains clearly structured spaces and guiding prompts, allowing students to jot down insights about the time period, key historical events and cultural attitudes.

Some of the prompts on this historical context in literature graphic organizer include:

• In what time period is this story set? Where is it happening?
• What beliefs, values or attitudes were common in society during this time?
• How do you see these beliefs reflected in the text?
• How do the characters act, speak or make decisions that reflect their time period?
• How does the time period shape the story’s theme or message?

Ideal for use with historical fiction or novels set in a different era, this resource encourages critical thinking while engaging with literature. It also helps teachers guide class discussions of how historical context enriches a story.

Read on to learn more about how to use this versatile resource in your literature lessons!

Ways to Explore Historical Context in Literature in the Classroom

This doodle notes graphic organizer is an excellent tool for fostering thoughtful consideration of how historical context shapes literary texts. Here are some ideas for using this resource in your ELA lessons:

• Activate Prior Knowledge – Before reading, talk about the historical context of the chosen novel and what the students already know about it. Have them complete parts of the graphic organizer to prime them to notice relevant details while reading.
• Monitor Understanding – As the students are reading, encourage them to regularly add to the graphic organizer as they uncover new clues about the historical context of the book.
• Shared Analysis – Once the students have completed the graphic organizer, have them join a small group to discuss how the historical context of the story affects the characters’ thoughts, actions and relationships.

Download to Explore Examples of Historical Context in Literature

Use the dropdown arrow on the Download button to choose between the editable Google Slides file or the easy-print PDF. Please note that you will be prompted to make a copy of the Google Slides file.

For sustainability purposes, please consider printing this two-page resource double-sided.

This resource was created by Kaylyn Chupp, a teacher in Florida and a Teach Starter collaborator.

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