What is context? Context is the circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, idea, says the Oxford Dictionary – and I’ll add story.
As writers of nonfiction (or fiction) we need to set ourselves or others in a context so readers get that recognition factor which makes them think, I know, I understand, I’ve been there. Or, oh, is that what it was like? Wow, I didn’t realise that.
Context is provided in all sorts of ways. By mentions of dates, particular songs, political changes, weather, time of the year, a particular year. It is enriched by details – books that came out, plays that were on, songs that were sung, dances, sports successes or failures, a royal marriage, fashion changes in clothes, shoes, cars, leisure, travel, anything that enriches the setting in which your character (you) moves and which gives your reader information that enriches their reading.
If you’re going back in time (and parts of your story will do that) remember contextual details are important. Don’t assume your readers will know what you’re talking about. Take milk bars. Who the hell knows what a milk bar is now? I’m probably the only one in the world who knows so if I was writing my life story I’d have to include a description and some details. Think of the rapid technological changes that have happened in your lifetime – telephones, computers, televisions, transport – household furniture and appliances – duvets? Heating? Once you start thinking about context and how it changes you’ll see how crucial it is to include some detail and description so you put your readers in the picture of the time you are writing about.
You don’t have to write huge screeds, sometimes just a mention of a line from a popular song (Dylan’s Like a Rolling Stone, The Beatles When I’m Sixty-Four) will whisk someone back to the context of a particular decade. Think of early New Zealand Television shows, mention a favourite, there’ll be many among your reader who’ll immediately be transported back to that time. Note a world shattering happening, Where were you when Martin Luther King was shot? Who? The 1981 Springbok Tour of New Zealand. What? The Homosexual Law Reform bill. Huh? You see what I mean?
What you want to do when writing a memoir is set you or someone else in a particular setting – providing context does this.
Like making pastry, a light hand is required. How do we find context? We research. I’ll talk about research next week.
