what is historical context ?

Question

how do I Identify and describe details that develop the historical context of a story?

Hi Robert,

'Historical Context' basically means, at what period in history the story is taking place. To identify and describe details that develop the historical context, you must identify objects, events, characters, etc. that tell you what time period in history everything is taking place.

For example, there is another post on here from someone who has written an essay on the 'Space Race' in the 1960's. If you were reading a story, and the characters were discussing the current 'Space Race', that would be a hint that the historical context of the story is the 1960's. Further, if they were sitting in a diner in New York discussing the Space Race, you could say the historical context is America in the 1960's.

I hope this helps!