How Does Cultural Context Shape A Character's Life

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Characters in a short story or poem or even a play can be shaped by their cultural context however, cultural context is not the only thing that can shape a character. When looking into a character’s life it is complex and the reader or audience is only seeing what the author or actors are portraying as they become that character or write about that character. A big part of how he or she may act in a story is developed through cultural context but we also have to take into account the person’s family, background, race, religious beliefs etc. all play a very vital role in the character and what they believe in and how they act, how they teach others and how they respond to situations. A person may come from a wealthy family and live a very easy …show more content…

Or it could be the opposite where a character does not have money and is consumed with greed because they never had money in the first place and don’t want to be without it regardless if they are rich or not. Setting may also play a big factor in the character and how they act or feel depending on what is going on at that point and time. Furthermore, with there being many different settings such as historical, geographical, and physical there can be a lot of different influences within the character. The people around the character could influence them as well and change their thoughts and beliefs leading to a complete change in he or she. While cultural context does play a big role in shaping a character it is not the only thing that can shape them. Outside influences, different settings, personal relationships, internal conflict and external conflict can all affect a character and how they may act. In the short story “I Stand Here Ironing” by Tillie Olsen it takes a look at gender roles as the father was no longer in the picture anymore and the mother is left to take care of the children and the

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