Context

Context

This serves two purposes: 1) it sets up your point/argument by telling the reader why you're bringing up a particular source or quote, and 2) it gives the reader information to help identify the speaker or place the speaker or example in the given work. For example, if using a quote from Rowlandson's captivity narrative you might write

Throughout the work, Rowlandson refers to the Native Americans in terms that would demonize them, separating them from her Christian readers. She calls Native Americans "hell hounds" (311). Taking this satanic imagery further she describes their camp as having "a lively resemblance of hell" (311).

Context helps readers 1) by making the reader think "Oh yeah, now I remember that part" and 2) by letting readers better understand (and thus agree with) your argument by framing it in a manner so they can understand it. By setting up your example so clearly, your argument flows logically from your example and explanation leaving the reader with a satisfied "Ahhh" as opposed to a befuddled "huh?"

Consider this before and after student example:

Before revision

A respect for the Indians is one difference between the Puritan writers and Franklin. Franklin makes a statement while saying “My brother, it seems your friends have not done you justice in your education; they have not well instructed you in the rules of common civility.”(470)

After Revision

A respect for Native Americans is one difference between the Puritan writers and Franklin. In "Remarks Concerning the Savages of North America," Franklin shows his respect by setting up a series of dialogues between Native Americans and Europeans. In each exchange, the Europeans are depicted as being "uncivilized" -- or savages -- while the Native Americans seem noble. For instance, Franklin implies that Europeans lack common manners: when a missionary condemns the Native creation myth as a "mere fable," the chief/Franlin responds by pointing out his lack of manners: “My brother, it seems your friends have not done you justice in your education; they have not well instructed you in the rules of common civility”(470).

Note how the revision sets up the quote in much more detail, helping the reader "see" what the writer wanted to focus on in the quote.