How are you meant to talk about context when answering an A-Level literature paper?

Handling contexts surrounding literary texts is a difficult skill, even for university students. The crucial aspect of doing it well is to make sure it remains relevant to the rest of your argument. Consider why an examiner would be interested in your evaluation of context in the first place. The point is not just to show off a fact you've learned, but to use what we know about a time-period, genre, or an individual's life to brighten your original ideas. For example, it's nice to know that Thorstein Veblen's concept of conspicuous consumption in the late 19th century preceded F. Scott Fitzgerald's major work, 'The Great Gatsby'. But simply saying that wouldn't get you very far. If, instead, Veblen was mentioned in the essay after an analysis of the descriptive language surrounding Gatsby's lavish parties, then suddenly his name becomes relevant to the text. His concept is effectively being used to clarify the significance of Fitzgerald's attention to the huge glamour and expense of Gatsby's lifestyle. It works alongside textual detail, rather than being detached from it. That's where the word 'context' comes from; it means 'with the text'. Remember, useful context is always at play with your own analysis. It should never be left isolated.