Final answer:
The context of a piece of writing encompasses historical, social, political, and biographical elements surrounding its creation, essential for a deeper understanding of the text's content and author's intent. The correct answer is option 1. and 3.
Step-by-step explanation:
The context of a piece of writing refers to the circumstances surrounding its creation including the historical, social, political, and biographical factors. Understanding the context may reveal why the author wrote the work, the issues they were responding to, and the messages they hoped to convey. It is important to recognize that no text exists in isolation; each is intrinsically linked to the period and environment it was written in. For example, knowing the societal challenges during Du Bois's era, including Jim Crow laws and segregation, is imperative to comprehend the significance of the 'veil' in his writing. Literary analysis might consider various elements—such as social context, cultural context, or the setting and theme—to interpret a text more deeply.
To illustrate, an analysis of Gwendolyn Brooks's poem "We Real Cool" would benefit from acknowledging the societal pressures and dangers that Black men faced during the time it was written. This enhances the reader's understanding of the characters' perspectives and behaviors within the poem. Therefore, examining the context can offer a richer appreciation of the work's content and the author's intent.