What is "context" in relation to a text?

Context refers to the background information surrounding a text that helps understand its meaning. This includes various factors such as the historical circumstances, cultural influences, and the author’s personal experiences or intentions, all of which provide essential insights that enhance the reader's comprehension of the text. Understanding the context allows readers to grasp nuances, identify motivations, and see how external elements may shape the narrative or argument presented. This is important because without context, interpretations of the text may be incomplete or misguided. Knowing where and why a text was written can significantly affect the way we analyze and connect with its content.