Final answer:
Quotes from figures like Joan of Arc or Nelson Mandela can provide insights into their characters and historical significance. Literary analyses also reveal the relationship between texts, authors, and the historical and social contexts in which they were created.
Step-by-step explanation:
When tasked with explaining and clarifying quotations, it is vital to consider the author's intent, the historical background, and the broader implications of the quote. For example, Aldo Leopold in 'A Sand County Almanac' uses a statement to highlight the disconnection of urban dwellers from nature, hinting at the spiritual dangers of such a lifestyle.
This reflects Leopold's environmental and philosophical beliefs, drawing attention to the societal tendency to overlook the origins and processes behind basic necessities. Similarly, in analyzing historic figures like Joan of Arc or Nelson Mandela through their quotes, we can gain insights into their determination and philosophies, providing a clearer understanding of their characters and historical impact.
Understanding context is also paramount in evaluating the significance of literary expressions. For instance, Thomas Carlyle and Leo Tolstoy offer contrasting views on the influence of great men versus the broader laws that govern historical events.
Tolstoy suggests that despite seeming important, individual wills are subordinate to more significant, often incomprehensible natural laws. In literary studies, this analysis aids in discerning the author's voice and the text's relationship with its historical and social milieu, as seen in Brooks's poem 'We Real Cool' which reflects the harsh realities faced by Black men in American society.