When and why a text is produced will impact how it is received in its time and perceived beyond that. Typically we communicate context prior to reading in a factual presentation. I like the idea of looking at other genre or media of the time as a reference point to encourage inference and research. Reading texts from other cultures allows us to imagine the details of how others live, and share in the recognition of similarities in our hopes and fears. In 'Half a Yellow Sun', for instance, Olanna's shifting use of language allows her to navigate between different identities as she needs to survive. This is an example of language representing social distinctions and identities.

Texts adhere to convention by communicating in the form typical of the genre. When texts deviate, like a shift in the expected culture or gender dynamic, such as in Mexican Gothic, they subvert what is expected. Gothic is a good example of how women were depicted in literature during a particular time, but that perception and role of the helpless female is no longer a typical view. The notion of a 'classic' text is a tricky one. It almost turns students away as they associate 'classic' with 'old' or 'irrelevant'. A text is classic, in my view, because it has a universal truth and appeal beyond a culture, time or genre. We read classics with new perspectives as society changes and that is all for the good. The villain in one text may later be perceived as misunderstood or justified with the benefit of time, which brings us back to the concept of communication and how an author's intention or meaning can be interpreted differently by each generation.