Author background, other works, significance • Historical context (i.e. when it was written, time period, etc.) • Style (theme, tone, mood, narrative style, symbolism, figurative language, etc.) • Geographical importance (where the novel occurred and why that is significant) • Author’s use of vernacular (local dialect, slang, etc.) • Pop/Cultural references specific to that time period • Social/Political/Gender issues • Comparative analysis to another text, either similar or different • Your choice: ________________________________________