Influenced by the events and feelings of an era, writers often document history through their works in subtle ways. The stories and poems we read can act as a filter or a mouthpiece in which to view the history of a nation.
Choose a reading to analyze this week for historical relevance, then answer the following questions: On the Death of a young Lady of Five Years of Age
• What was happening around the time in which this piece was written? (Additional research will be necessary—an “American History Timeline” web search will be most helpful.)
• Provide information about a historical event that may have influenced this piece.
• What specific connections can be made between the piece and the event?
• What is the author’s attitude toward the event? Feel free to speculate (based on other evidence), if necessary.
• What values of the time period are being expressed and/or challenged in this piece?
Sample Solution
