Final answer:
An author develops key context in a text by incorporating elements of the cultural climate, being selective about information, and framing their analysis. Also, researching other literary critics' works and ensuring a clear understanding of the story's 'bigger picture' is crucial for context development.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an author aims to develop a key context for their work, there are several strategies to consider for enhancing the reader's comprehension and engagement. Firstly, it is vital to incorporate and respond to the cultural climate. This includes understanding the cultural, historical, and societal influences that impact the narrative. For instance, W.E.B Du Bois's concept of 'the veil' gains its significance only once the audience comprehends the racial segregation and adversity of his era. Similarly, the context surrounding public figures or institutions, such as Theodore Roosevelt or the American Museum of Natural History, should be selectively included to build a backdrop for the analysis that follows.
Analyzing a text within its context involves asking pivotal questions: What conditions (historical, social, political, biographical) gave rise to the work? How does it relate to or differ from other texts? Through this exploration, one can unearth pertinent background information that informs the reader. For example, the poem 'We Real Cool' by Gwendolyn Brooks is enriched through an understanding of the societal dangers faced by Black men. Additionally, development of context can be achieved by researching the interpretations and theories applied by other critics, which can provide depth to the analysis.
Understanding the 'bigger picture' is also essential. Before diving into themes or motifs, authors must grasp the narrative's storyline, as it grounds the entire contextual analysis. To that end, contextualization is the process of critically examining the time and place of a work, allowing for a multi-dimensional understanding of the text. This comprehensive approach lays a foundation, upon which a persuasive and insightful argument can be constructed.