Understanding Literary Texts

thru Contexts
Learner’s Module in
21st Century Literature from the
Philippines and the World 11

Quarter 3 . Week 4

MARIA TERESA B. MACASINAG

Developer
Department of Education • Cordillera Administrative Region
 What I Need to Know

Hello dear learner! This module was designed and written with you in mind.
Primarily, its scope is to make you aware of the meaning of context and how it
enhances the meaning of a text and enhances the readers’ understanding of it.

While going through this module, you are expected to:

1. define context;
2. identify the different kinds of context;
3. discuss how different contexts enhance the text’s meaning and enrich
the reader’s understanding; and
4. draw insights from the activities at hand towards an understanding of the
concept of context.

What I Know
Read the following questions. Choose the letter corresponding to the correct answer
from the options given. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

1. What do you call the circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement,
or idea, and in terms of which it can be fully understood and assessed?
A. content B. contempt C. context D. concept

2. What refers to the time period in which a story occurs?

A. historical context C. social context
B. cultural context D. biographical context

3. Which term pertains to the paradigms and spheres of experience and cultural
influence of any particular culture?
A.historical context C. social context
B.cultural context D. biographical context

4. Which of the statements below could be considered part of the historical context of
a book?
A. The book was written in 1948.
B. Some of the characters are wealthy.
C. It depicts social injustice.
D. It takes place in San Fernando, Pampanga.

5. Which of the following could be considered part of the social context of a book?
A. The characters are having a party.
B. The characters are all from Bulacan.
C. Women are not allowed to vote or own property.
D. All of the above.
6. How does cultural context affect a story?
A. Cultural context is not important to a story.
B. Cultural context gives the time and place where the story occurs.
C. Cultural context includes important historical events that occur around the
same time as the story.
D. Cultural context tells how the society's expectations and rules of conduct
affect the characters in the story.

7. What type of context clue is used in this sentence?

It was an idyllic day - sunny, warm, and perfect for a walk in the park.
A. aynonym B. antonym C. definition D. example

8. What type of context clue is used in this sentence?

Diane was lethargic; she didn't have the energy to get out of bed.
A. synonym B. antonym C. definition D. example
9. What type of context clue is used in this sentence?
She was virtuous, unlike her evil and conniving brother.
A. synonym B. antonym C. definition D. example

10. Mr. Marcos was very proud of his auto superstore. "We have such an extensive
selection of cars," he said, "so everyone should find a vehicle that he or she will
love!" Based on the statement, what does the word "extensive" mean?
A. large amount C. not enough
B. having no color D. costing a lot of money

11.Which word could be substituted for 'querulous' in the following sentence?

'The querulous child I babysit just won't stop bothering me until I let him play
video games.'
A.complaining B. joyful C. crying D. calm

12. In the following sentence, which word serves as a definition of 'transient'?

'Her transient thoughts of quitting her dead-end job are fleeting, lasting only
as long as the weekly meeting she abhors.'
A.fleeting B. abhors C. thoughts D. quitting

13. What type of context clue is used in the following sentence?

Mr. Magsanoc is quite AFFABLE. In fact, he reminds me of Ms. Apilas. Do
you remember how kind she is?
A.The definition or an example is given
B.synonym - a word that has a similar meaning
C.antonym - a word that has an opposite meaning
D.inference - you have to put clues together

14. Which of the following statements is correct about context clues?

A.Context clues should be simple enough for the reader to understand
any unfamiliar word. They will use little to none of their thinking skills.
B.Context clues are used by the author to help readers define an
unfamiliar word.
 C.There is just one type of context clue the author will use to help
readers define an unfamiliar word.
D.Context clues are used by the author to help readers to understand
what the sentence as a whole means.

15. Below you will find statements with a specific word in quotes. The context clues
in these sentences should help define the word in quotes. Note that each statement
is an example of a certain type of context clue. To which of the following examples
can direct definition be applied?
A. Some people are ''happy'', while others are upset.
B. The class, or ''course'', the teacher taught was Spanish.
C. Jason is a ''talented'' athlete, he always makes the soccer team.
D. Jason made sure to whisper because he knew he had to be very
quiet when talking in the library.

What’s In
According to Rosenbalt (1978), there are three factors that conjoin together in the
construction of meaning during a literary transaction.
Pick from the circle these 3 factors and write the words on the numbered lines on the
left.
1. _____________
reader purpose
2. _____________
text meaning
3. _____________ context

To start off with the lesson, I would like you to read the short story “Dead Men’s
Path” by Chinua Achebe. Please avail of either a paper or electronic version of the
story. Also read about the author’s background for a fuller understanding of his
masterpiece.
After doing your readings, please answer the following questions on a separate
sheet of paper.
1. What do you know about the author?
2. Why did he write this piece?
3. When was it written and when was it published?
4. What else was happening at that time?
5. Where was this published and what kind of audience does this publication
address?
6. Who is speaking in the story and to whom is he/she speaking?
7. How long is the piece and what sorts of resources were used for suppor
 What’s New
Activity : Text Connect!
Now, let’s check out this diagram.
Which among the questions that you answered about the story would you categorize
under Information, Situation and Events respectively?

Events

DEAD MEN’S PATH

Chinua Achebe
Information
Situations

Take note that texts are constructed thru a blend of purpose, situations and
social needs. The surroundings of the text, whether it is created within the text or
describing the situation of the author's life in which the text was written is called
context.
When attempting to understand, explicate, or analyze a poem, passage, or
work as a whole, one must ALWAYS remember to stay in the context. Context
provides meaning and clarity to the intended message. In other words, context is
anything that helps you understand the meaning of a literary work other than the
actual words of the work itself.
The idea of context in literature can encompass several areas. It is generally
taken to mean the setting (historical, social, class,) of a novel, poem or short story.
For example, it is very helpful to know about the historical events around the time
that a book is set as it gives us insights into the themes, concepts and discussions
that were going on at the time of the author's writing.
Types of Context in Writing
There are multiple types of context in writing that can deepen a reader’s
understanding of the material. Here are a few of them.
Rearrange the jumbled letters in parenthesis in order to arrive at the correct word
that is pertained to in the following statements.
 1. ________________(IHLRTOSILAC)
Providing the time period and its current events can inform the general mood of the
era, setting the stage for the tone of your piece of writing and creating an
understanding of the society at the time

2. ________________(LAULCUTR)
Society's viewpoints, values, and general attitudes are all elements of this context
that sometimes need to be provided in order to fully understand an author’s story

3. ________________(HIEGOCRGAPACL)
Refers to the human and physical characteristics of places and environments at the
time the work was written.

4. ________________(LOSCIA)
Pertains to how someone reacts to something depending on his or her immediate
social or physical environment

5. ________________(BLIGOARHIPCA)
Where personal experiences about the author make their way into their
writing

6. ________________(LACITILOPSOIOC)
Consists of the overlapping of social and political arena in their influence over
literary text

7. ________________(ITEARYRL)
Relates to the particular form a passage takes (the literary genre) and to the words,
sentences, and paragraphs that surround the passage you are studying.

What’s In It
Analysis and Interpretation of a Text

Whether dealing with fact or fiction, context is important when interpreting a literary
text.
Consider the following sentence which, devoid of context, sounds innocent enough:

"Sally hid her hands behind her back and crossed her fingers before she answered."

But imagine that this statement comes from a transcript of court documents in
Salem, Mass., in 1692, during the famed Salem Witch Trials. Religious fervor was at
an extreme, and villagers were nearly obsessed with the devil and witchcraft. At that
time, if a young woman were to tell a lie, it was fodder for hysteria and a violent
reaction. A reader would assume that poor Sally was a candidate for the gallows.

Now, imagine you're reading a letter from a mother that contains this sentence:

"My daughter will be heading to California shortly after she marries."

How much information does this statement give us? Not much, until we consider
when it was written. Should we discover that the letter was written in 1849, we will
realize that one sentence can sometimes say a lot. A young woman heading for
California in 1849 might be following her husband on a treacherous treasure-seeking
expedition for the gold rush. This mother would probably be quite fearful for her child,
and she would know that it would be a very long time before she'd see her daughter
again, if ever.

Did the examples above help drive home the message ? To help you better
understand the concept at hand, here are a few examples to show you how words
can change depending on their context:

Word or Literary Context:

Example 1: “restrain”
Depending on context, restrain can mean several things:
• To hold back physically: “His classmates had to restrain him from
eating the last cupcake.”
• To control emotions: “I wasn’t able to restrain my excitement upon
winning the tournament – I threw my ping-pong paddle into the crowd and hit my
poor brother on the forehead, knocking him out.”
• To limit: “The embargoes and tariffs were designed to restrain trade.”
Example 2: “discriminate”
Discriminate is often used in a negative way, but it also can be positive:
• To judge, or make an unfair distinction about people based on their
race, age or gender: “Widespread racial discrimination led to the disenfranchisement
of thousands.”
• To tell apart: “Death doesn’t discriminate between the sinners and the
saints.”
• To note subtle differences: “The dolphin’s electroreception enables it to
better discriminate between shrimp and crayfish on the muddy river bottom.”
Example 3: “compromise”
As a verb, compromise has three distinct meanings:
• To settle a dispute by mutual agreement and concession: “My sister
wanted to listen to hip-hop and my brother wanted to listen to bebop, so we
compromised and put on some R&B.”
• To accept a standard that is below what is desirable: “I am willing to
accept another motel room, but I’m not prepared to compromise on hygiene.”
• To endanger by foolish behavior: “When Skywalker went along, he
compromised the entire mission because Vader could sense his proximity.”
Take note!
In trying to decipher or figure out meanings in a sentence, passage, quotes or any
other literary text, there are context or contextual clues that help you arrive at
correct meanings. These are a form of information (such as a definition, synonym,
antonym, or example) that appears near a word or phrase and offers direct or
indirect suggestions about its meaning.

Types of Context Clues

Synonym context clues offer words nearby with the same meaning:
 Synonym: The annual bazaar is scheduled for the last day of school. It's
always a fun festival.
 Synonym: "That charlatan!" he cried. "That absolute fake!"
Antonym context clues offer nearby words with opposite meanings:
 Antonym: "You look pretty content about it, not like you're all bent out of
shape at all," he noted.
 Antonym: "No, no, that didn't literally happen," she said. "I
was speaking figuratively."
Definition context clues just spell out the meaning in a straightforward manner:
 Definition: In Britain, they call the trunk of a car the "boot."
 Definition: "The lingerie department," she directed the confused customer,
"is where you'll find the bras and panties." 
An explanation or illustration can also show the context of the word:
 Explanation: She looked at the random collection that had been thrown in the
packing box at the last minute—from toothpaste and razors to spatulas and
sticky notes. "Well, that's quite a melange, isn't it?" she remarked.
 Explanation: "No, no, that's just a crane fly, not a gigantic mosquito," he
explained
Word-structure clues are understood in two ways: a reader or listener understands a
base word and a prefix (or suffix) and infers the meaning from the combination of the
two, or the reader knows a word origin and upon hearing a word of similar origin,
infers its meaning.
For instance, if you know that "anti-" means against, it's easy to infer the meaning of
the word "anti-establishment."
 Word-structure: The anti-establishment protesters picketed the town hall.
Likewise, if you're aware that a "memorial" is something in remembrance for a
person who has died, you might readily intuit the meaning of the following sentence,
even if you'd never previously heard the term "in memoriam."
 Word-structure: The book was dedicated in memoriam of his father.
Comparison context clues show the meaning of a word through similarities to other
items or elements, similes or metaphors:
 Comparison: He looked absolutely flummoxed, like a toddler staring down at
his feet on the floor who just isn't sure about this whole "walking" thing.
 Comparison: "No," she said, "I'm as carefree about it as a bird
floating among the clouds."
Contrast context clues show meaning through dissimilar elements:
 Contrast: "It isn't exactly the melee that I expected from your description," he
said. "The kids are just roughhousing a little. I expected them to
be bruised and bleeding."
 Contrast: I know she said she could reconstitute the dried fruit, but a soggy
raisin just isn't a grape.

What’s More
Activity 1: Smart at Hint!
Education is a recurring point of contention in Achebe’s “Dead Men’s Path,” a story
that centers around the Ndume Central school and its zealous new headmaster,
Michael Obi.
Here is a line that is worthy of discussion. The school is meant to educate not to
instruct. In one sentence, write what you understand about this.
Answer: ____________________________________________________________
Activity 2: Story Recall!
Complete the blank in the sentence by filling it in with the correct word from the word
list in the box. Then recalling your lesson on literary elements, identify what device
(setting, theme, symbolism, conflict, moral, topic, irony, climax) is being referred to in
each statement.
mind cultural ancestral struggle
convince significance African
suppressed
foot path modernize respect

1. Chinua Achebe's short story, “Dead Men's Path,” deals with new and old, modern
and ancient, today and yesterday. In other words, it deals with ____________
differences.
2. The story takes place in a Nigerian village, where an ancestral footpath runs
through the compound of Ndume Central School. The setting is significant because
the modern school intersects with the ancestral footpath, which represents the
________ between modernity and tradition.
3. The problematic situation in the story surrounds a village ________ that travels
through the school compound connecting the villagers' shrine to their burial grounds.
Obi's refusal to open the __________ pathway connects to the universal clash
between modernity and traditional cultures.
4. The path in the story represents the heritage of the __________ tribe. The villager
s were not willing to remove the path because according to them this path connectin
g the village shrine and the villagers place of burial has cultural _______________. T
his path is the one that their dead relatives take and is the one that their ancestors u
se to visit
5. Obi and his wife seem to be sure their move to ___________ the school will
impact the school for the better. Later, as the confrontation between Michael and the
priest occurs, we can further assume something negative will most likely be an
outcome. Sure enough, this guess is confirmed when the path is torn up the day the
supervisor comes to inspect.
6. There ensued a confrontation between schoolmaster Michael Obi and the village
priest, who attempts to _________ Michael to re-open the footpath - as it has a
spiritual significance to the villagers.
7. The short story, “Dead Men’s Path” demonstrates how important for us to always
keep an open__________ when dealing with different and new cultures.
8. It teaches us that one should ________ other cultures, customs, and traditions,
regardless of personal beliefs or views. Achebe also illustrates that traditional
customs and practices should not be _________ by dominant cultures.

What I Have Learned

Activity: Jumble Solver!
Let’s sum up what we learned about context. Rearrange the jumbled phrases in
order to come up with the correct definition of context.

in such a way as circumstances forming a background or literary piece.

to understand the narrative

of an event, idea or statement, Context means to enable readers
aw

What I Can Do

Activity 1: Making It Real!

Write a one 4-5 sentence paragraph on how your knowledge of context help you
enhance your relationship with your parents/teachers/peers.

Paragraph Assessment Rubric

 Point Value 5 points
Topic Sentence Interesting, original topic
sentence, reflecting
thought and insight;
focused on one
interesting main idea.
Supporting Interesting, concrete and
Details  descriptive examples and
details with explanations
that relate to the topic.   included.
Organization and Thoughtful, logical
Transitions progression of
supporting examples;
Mature transitions
between ideas.
Mechanics and Appropriate tone,
Style distinctive voice;
pleasing variety in
sentence structure; Vivid
diction, precise word
choices.No grammatical
errors.
4 points 3 points
Clearly stated topic Acceptable topic
sentence presents one sentence presents one
main idea. idea.
   
Examples and details Sufficient number of
relate to the topic and examples and details
some explanation is that relate to the topic.
Details are arranged in a Acceptable
logical progression; arrangement of
appropriate transitions. examples; transitions details; no transitions.
may be weak.
Appropriate tone; Clear Acceptable tone; some
sentences with varied variety in sentence
structures; Effective structures;
diction. Some errors, but Adequate diction and
none major, in usage, word choices. A few
spelling, or punctuation. errors in usage,
(1-2) spelling, or
punctuation (3-4)
2 points
Missing, invalid, or
inappropriate topic
sentence;  main idea is
missing.
Insufficient, vague, or
undeveloped examples. 
No discernible pattern of
organization; Unrelated
Inconsistent or
Inappropriate tone;
Awkward, unclear, or
incomplete sentences;
Bland diction, poor word
choice.Distracting errors
in usage, spelling, or
punctuation

Assessment
Read the following questions. Choose the letter corresponding to the correct answer from
the options given. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

1. Which term refers to the circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or
idea, and in terms of which it can be fully understood and assessed?
A. context B. contempt C. content D. concept

2. Which term refers to the time period in which a story occurs?

A. cultural context C. social context
B. historical context D. biographical context

3. Which of these could be considered part of the historical context of a book?

A. The book was written in 1948.
B. Some of the characters are wealthy.
C. It takes place during the EDSA Revolution.
D. It takes place in San Fernando, Pampanga.

4. This refers to the paradigms and spheres of experience and cultural influence of any
particular culture.
A. cultural context C. social context
B. historical context D. biographical context

5. Which of these could be considered part of the social context of a book?

A. The characters are having a party.
B. The characters are all from Bulacan.
C. Women are not allowed to vote or own property.
D. All of the above.

6. How does cultural context affect a story?

A. Cultural context is not important to a story.
B. Cultural context gives the time and place where the story occurs.
 C. Cultural context includes important historical events that occur around the
same time as the story.
D. Cultural context tells how the society's expectations and rules of conduct
affect the characters in the story.

7. What type of context clue is used in this sentence?

Diane was lethargic; she didn't have the energy to get out of bed.
A.synonym B. definition C. antonym D. example

8. What type of context clue is used in this sentence?

It was an idyllic day - sunny, warm, and perfect for a walk in the park.
A.definition B. synonym C. antonym D. example

9. What type of context clue is used in this sentence?

She was virtuous, unlike her evil and conniving brother.
A.synonym C. definition
B. example D. antonym

10. Mr. Marcos was very proud of his auto superstore. "We have such an extensive
selection of cars," he said, "so everyone should find a vehicle that he or she will love!"
Based on the statement, what does the word "extensive" mean?
A. large amount C. not enough
B. having no color D. costing a lot of money

11. In the following sentence, which word serves as a definition of 'transient'?

'Her transient thoughts of quitting her dead-end job are fleeting, lasting only as long as the
weekly meeting she abhors.'
A. abhors B. fleeting C. thoughts D. quitting

12. Which word could be substituted for 'querulous' in the following sentence?
'The querulous child I babysit just won't stop bothering me until I let him play video
games.'
A.complaining B. joyful C. crying D. calm

13. What type of context clue is used in the following sentence?

Mr. Magsanoc is quite AFFABLE. In fact, he reminds me of Ms. Apilas. Do you
remember how kind she is?
A. The Definition or an Example is given
B. Synonym - a word that has a similar meaning
C. Antonym - a word that has an opposite meaning
D. Inference - you have to put clues together

14. Which of the following statements is correct about context clues?

A. Context clues should be simple enough for the reader to understand any
unfamiliar word. They will use little to none of their thinking skills.
B Context clues are used by the author to help readers define an unfamiliar
word.
C. There is just one type of context clue the author will use to help readers define
an unfamiliar word.
D. Context clues are used by the author to help readers to understand what the
sentence as a whole means.

15. Below you will find statements with a specific word in quotes. The context clues in
these sentences should help define the word in quotes. Note that each statement is
an example of a certain type of context clue. To which of the following examples can
 opposition or antonym be applied?
A. Some people are ''happy'', while others are upset.
B. The class, or ''course'', the teacher taught was Spanish.
C. Jason is a ''talented'' athlete, he always makes the soccer team.
D. Jason made sure to whisper because he knew he had to be very quiet when
talking in the library.

Additional Activity
Activity: Personal Connection!
Each example below has hints within the passage or sentence to help you figure out
the meaning of the word. Read each question CAREFULLY and write the correct
letter of your answer on your paper.
1.Speaking rudely to the judges was rash behavior. You really hurt your chances of
winning! In the above context, what does “rash” mean?
A. funny C. with little thought or consideration
B. an itchy skin condition D. trying to hide or disguise a piece of cheese

2. Some people are always bashing the president just like others bashed the one
before him. Wouldn't you think that everyone could find something to praise him for,
at least once in a while?
What does “bashing” mean in the above selection?
A. hitting hard with a heavy tool C. speaking or writing harshly about
B. going to too many expensive parties D. voting for a different candidate

3. Wherever he goes, the esteemed Dr. Sanchez is applauded for his life saving
research.
What does “esteemed” mean?
A. very old C. unable to chew gum
B. held over boiling water D. greatly admired

4. I believe that if you lower taxes so that people can keep more of the money they
earn; it will be an incentive for them to work harder.
What does “incentive” mean?
A. a reason to do something C. a tax
B. a small amount of money D. a good job

5. Christmas is a time when Dad reverts to his childhood. I really think he looks
forward to Santa’s visit more than any other member of the family. Mom says that
he’ll always be a child during this season.
What does “reverts” mean in the above passage?
A. stands up straight C. drinks too much egg nog
B. peeks at presents D. goes back to being what he was

6. Fortunately, the explosion diverted the asteroid from a course that would have
sent it hurdling into our planet.
What does “divert” mean?
A. change the direction of C. jump into a dry river
 B. look for really high waves D. look through a telescope

7. If you don't curtail your spending, you'll be broke in no time at all!

Which word is a synonym of "curtail?”
A. reduce B. follow C. behind D. buy

8. No word must ever leak out about this military action! It has to be a clandestine
operation in order to succeed.
Which word is a synonym of "clandestine"?
A. fantastic B useful C. dangerous D. secret

9. Put this medicine on your arm and rub it into your skin until it's invisible. It will
inhibit the infection's attempt to spread.
What does “inhibit” mean?
A. live in a certain place C. itch or burn
B. block or slow down D help to do something important

10. The owner of the restaurant wouldn’t allow Samantha to walk through the door.
“I’m sorry,” she said, “but you started a food fight the last time you were here. You
may not have ingress to my restaurant!”

1. A 2.B. 3.A 4.B 5.C 6.D 7.A 8.B 9.D 10.A 11.B 12. A 13.A 14.D 15. A

What does “ingress” mean in this selection?

A. any food that can be thrown C. the right to enter
B. a kind of bird that lives by the sea D. a good price for a meal

ANSWER KEY
What I Know

Assessment

1. C 2.A. 3.B 4.A&C 5.D 6.D 7.A 8.A 9.A 10.A 11.A 12. A 13.A 14.D 15. D

What’s In

1. Reader
2. Text
3. Context

What’s New Additonal Activity What’s More

1. C 1. cultural
1. HISTORICAL 2. struggle
2. CULTURAL 2. C
3. D 3. foot path
3. GEOGRAPHICAL ancestral
4. SOCIAL 4. A
5. D 4 African
5. BIOGRAPHICAL signifi
6. SOCIOPOLITICAL 6. A
7. A cance
7. LITERAL 8. D
9. B 5.modernize
6. convince
10. C 7.mind
8.respect
suppressed
8. No word must ever leak out about this military action! It has to be a clandestine
operation in order to succeed.
Which word is a synonym of "clandestine"?
A. fantastic B useful C. dangerous D. secret

9. Put this medicine on your arm and rub it into your skin until it's invisible. It will
inhibit the infection's attempt to spread.
What does “inhibit” mean?
A. live in a certain place C. itch or burn
B. block or slow down D help to do something important

10. The owner of the restaurant wouldn’t allow Samantha to walk through the door.
“I’m sorry,” she said, “but you started a food fight the last time you were here. You
may not have ingress to my restaurant!”
What does “ingress” mean in this selection?
A. any food that can be thrown C. the right to enter
B. a kind of bird that lives by the sea D. a good price for a meal
For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:
Department of Education-Schools Division of Baguio City
Military Cut-off, Baguio City
Email Address: depedbaguiocity@gmail.com
Website: http://www.depedapayao.ph/