The Power of Context: Why a Knowledge-Rich Approach Transforms Literary Understanding

In an age where information is readily available, the true value lies in understanding its context. This is particularly crucial when engaging with literature. A knowledge-rich approach, one that prioritises deep contextual understanding, domain-specific vocabulary, and interdisciplinary connections, isn't just a pedagogical strategy; it's the key to unlocking the true power of literary works. This became strikingly clear during a recent dinner conversation.

I was discussing with my 15-year-old daughter a classic novel she was reading for school, and the inevitable question arose: "Why do we even need to know why the author wrote it? Can't we just enjoy the story?"

It's a question many students (and even adults) ponder. Why delve into the author's motivations, historical context, and intended purpose? Isn't the text enough?

My response, and the ensuing discussion, reinforced a key principle vital in education and beyond: understanding authorial intent enriches a work through a robust, knowledge-rich understanding of context.

Shakespearean Plays such as Romeo and Juliet and The Tempest provide insight into Elizabethan/Jacobean society, including beliefs about kingship, fate, and the supernatural. Students can explore the historical context of the plays, including the political climate, social hierarchy, and religious beliefs of the time. They offer opportunities to discuss universal themes of love, ambition, power, and tragedy, and how those themes resonate across time and cultures. The Tempest allows for discussion around colonialism, and the early modern views of the new world.

19th-Century Novels such as Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol provide a detailed portrayal of Victorian society, with its stark contrasts between wealth and poverty. Students can learn about the impact of industrialization, the Poor Laws, and the social inequalities of the era. They offer opportunities to discuss themes of social responsibility, redemption, and the importance of empathy.

20th/21st Century Texts like J.B. Priestley's An Inspector Calls allow students to explore social responsibility, class inequality, and the impact of historical events such as World War I. They can learn about the social and political context of early 20th-century Britain, including the rise of socialism and the development of the welfare state. This is a play that demands the student understand the social and political climate of the time it was written, and the time it is set.

Willy Russell's Blood Brothers allows for the exploration of the impact of social class, and the nature vs nurture debate. It allows for the student to understand the social changes that happened in the later parts of the 20th century.

Poetry Anthologies offer a diverse range of voices and perspectives, allowing students to explore themes relevant to their lives and the world around them. They can learn about the historical and cultural contexts of the poems, including the poets' backgrounds and the events that inspired their work. Poetry allows for the close study of language, and how language is used to present ideas

My conversation reminded me that critical thinking and communication require considering context, interpreting meaning, and appreciating diverse perspectives.

In the context of primary schools, a literary canon refers to a curated list of books considered valuable and influential, aiming to foster a love for literature and broaden students' knowledge and cultural understanding.? It's important to understand that this isn't about forcing young children to grapple with dense, complex texts meant for older students. Instead, it's about laying the groundwork for a shared cultural understanding, expanding their linguistic horizons, and kindling a genuine love for the written word. By exposing children to traditional tales, myths, and legends, such as Aesop's Fables or folk tales from diverse cultures, we provide them with cultural touchstones. These stories often carry universal themes and moral lessons that transcend time, becoming references they'll encounter throughout their lives in various forms of art and communication.

A carefully selected canon of classic children's literature, can significantly enrich a child's language development. These books often employ rich and varied vocabulary, descriptive settings, and complex characters, all presented in a way that resonates with young minds. Through oral storytelling, drama, and role-play, children can further internalize language patterns and develop their own storytelling abilities. This not only expands their vocabulary but also enhances their oracy skills, building confident speakers.